Page Turners highlights books by Hawaii authors and books about Hawaii or of interest to Hawaii readers. To submit a book for consideration, send a copy and information to Features Department, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. For more information, email books@staradvertiser.com.

"Rainforest Pu‘uhonua," by Kahikahealani Wight ($9.99 e-book): The author, a Hawaiian-language expert, grew up not knowing the language but eventually learned it well enough to write several well-regarded instructional books. In this memoir she provides personal observations on history, culture and the colorful personalities she’s met.

"Yesterday in Hawaii: A Voyage Through Time," by Scott C.S. Stone (Island Heritage, $15.95): A small volume that capsulizes island history from early contact to the present day. It hits the high points — the early monarchy, Father Damien, contributions of immigrants, the overthrow, Pearl Harbor and statehood — but for local readers the photographs and illustrations will probably be the most interesting.

"Mystery in Paradise: 13 Tales of Suspense," edited by Lourdes Venard (self-published, $12.99): An anthology of short mystery stories set in Hawaii, showing the diversity of island culture, from the seedy back alleys of Chinatown to kitschy Waikiki. Among the contributors are Rose Mary Thompson, Greg Field, Lehua Parker, Bob Newell, Patricia Morin, Tyler Miranda and Laurie Hanan.

"Sojourner in Islamic Lands," by Russell Fraser (University of South Caro­lina Press, $34.95): The author, now a Hawaii resident, is a retired English professor who has written several travel books. He follows the Silk Road through Central Asia, focusing on the role of Islam in the development of art, architecture and other aspects of culture. He also examines the role of Christianity and secularism in the region.

"Surfing Places, Surfboard Makers: Craft, Creativity, and Cultural Heritage in Hawai‘i, Cali­for­nia, and Australia," by Andrew Warren and Chris Gibson (University of Hawai‘i Press, $28): The Australian authors visited 33 surfboard makers to examine board shaping as it developed in the three major centers of the sport, beginning with the long, heavy planks used in ancient Hawaii on to modern, computer-shaped boards.

"Hale Mohalu: Land of Joy, Land of Pain," edited by members and supporters of the Hale Mohalu Ohana (self-published, $15): A collection of photos and archival documents related to the closure of Hale Mohalu, a residence for Hansen’s disease patients in Pearl City. Thirty years ago the last 13 patients and their supporters fought a five-year battle against eviction after the state decided to demolish it to make way for athletic fields.