San Francisco Frontiers - Native Hawaiian Author Kaua Māhoe Adams Honored by Publishers Weekly for Debut Novel

Native Hawaiian author Kauakanilehua "Kaua" Māhoe Adams has received significant recognition for her debut young adult novel in verse, "An Expanse of Blue." The California-based writer was honored when Publishers Weekly listed the book as a Best Book of 2026 and named her a finalist for the Golden Poppy Book Awards.

Adams grew up in Washington state and currently resides in California, maintaining strong ties to Hawaiʻi through her father’s family. Her debut work, released in May, is a narrative written in poetry rather than prose. The story loosely follows Adams’ own experiences, focusing on a teenager’s internal growth and cultural awakening.

The recognition from Publishers Weekly came as a surprise to the author. Adams learned of the listing via an Instagram post before confirming the news with her editor. She described feeling "shocked" and "incredibly honored" by the acknowledgment.

"It never ceases to amaze me that people are reading my book and that they enjoyed it," Adams said in an interview with Aloha State Daily. "I am incredibly honored! It means everything to me. My dream was always to become a published author but knowing that readers love ‘An Expanse of Blue’ as much as I do is beyond anything I could have hoped for."

Publishers Weekly highlighted the novel’s unique structure and thematic depth, stating, "Via distinctive and emotionally resonant verse, Adams crafts an evocative story about identity, devotion and belonging."

In addition to the Publishers Weekly honor, Adams was named a finalist in September for the 2026 Golden Poppy Book Awards. The awards, presented by the California Independent Booksellers Alliance, recognize distinguished books written and illustrated by creators who have made California their home.

Adams attended the Golden Poppy awards ceremony in person, where she met authors and booksellers from across the state. She described these interactions as "pinch me moments" that highlighted the supportive nature of the literary community.

Promotional activities for the book have included visits to Hawaiʻi Island. Last month, Adams appeared as a featured author at the Kona Stories Bookstore Words and Wine Author Event and visited Basically Books in Hilo. On Indigenous People’s Day, she donated 100 copies of "An Expanse of Blue" to ninth and tenth graders in the Kona region.

The novel has resonated with readers across different age groups. Adams shared that a friend reported her mother was on her fourth reading of the book. "I love that readers of all ages are able to find something for themselves in Aouli's story," she said, noting that multiple readings serve as a significant compliment.

Adams emphasized the importance of community, particularly among Indigenous writers, in navigating the challenges of publishing. "The best part of having a strong, Native/Indigenous author community is that I never have to do this alone," she said. "I have people in my corner who understand me and the kind of stories I want to put into the world."

She advised aspiring authors to find supportive peers, stating, "This is a journey best taken with friends." Adams also noted a key lesson from her experience: silencing the inner critic requires focusing energy on creation rather than comparison.

Adams is currently working on her next young adult novel and reviewing upcoming releases. She praised Meg Eden Kuyatt’s forthcoming book, "Not Your Story," and listed Danica Nava’s "Sunflower Season" as her next reading priority.

Heading into the holiday season, Adams plans to take a break to dance hula and decorate her home with her husband. "An Expanse of Blue," published by Heartdrum, is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and local independent sellers.

J.Peterson--SFF