Covering this book in Hawaiian kapa is an expression of reverence for Hawai`i's indigenous people and their culture. They make these islands special. The outside cover, a nineteenth century kapa [bark cloth] design, symbolizes post-contact Hawai'i and the dramatic external changes that have occurred. It features photographs of two clay sculptures (30"x38'x28) by Karen Lucas. Front: Daydreams symbolizes planning the future. Back: Mourning symbolizes grieving the past.

The inside cover [not shown here], a background of stained wauke kapa, symbolizes the underlying structure, strength and spirit that Hawaiians infuse into the fabric of the Islands.