Polynesian Researches:Hawaii is the famous record of the author's visit to the Hawaiian Islands in the early nineteenth century. It includes an account of Hawaiian history, government, religion , warfare, and traditions- a general survey of Hawaiian life. More than this, it is the author's personal observations of Hawaiian manners and customs and is invaluable to anyone interested in old Hawaii.The author, Rev. William Ellis, lived in Polynesia as a missionary from 1817 to 1825. He spent much of his time in Tahiti and soon became fluent in the language. Before returning t.