This is not the book I was expecting to read. Based on the title alone, I anticipated a collection of ancient stories from the Pacific island's Polynesian roots. Not so. Rather, the book is a collection of recent experiences by residents and visitors to the Hawaiian islands seeking to prove that the old beliefs are still alive and well.

So, while you will still read about gods, spirits, ghosts and magic, the people interacting with those mythical tropes are common, everyday folks from modern times. Timothy Befus has collected narratives from people he knows or has met over the years who believe they have stepped into otherworldly circumstances -- for good in some cases, and for ill in others.

So, be prepared for tales of spectral warriors, lost pirate treasure, cannibals, goddess manifestations, ghostly partings, nightmarchers, kahunas and more.

Of course, everything here is set in Hawaii, which is a relatively new field of folklore for me. The stories are entertaining, and just a little spooky, all told by Befus in a relaxed, conversational tone like you're sitting down with him somewhere, listening to him chat with a tropical drink -- something with fresh pineapple in it, no doubt -- in your hand.

The volume is slim, less than 80 pages, printed with white text on black and blue-green backgrounds. It's pretty eye-catching, and my worries that it would be hard to read proved unfounded.

The book made me want to explore some more traditional folklore from Polynesia. (I don't suppose watching Moana endlessly with my kids counts?) In any case, thanks to Befus for sharing some insights into his world.