The first comprehensive study of Hawaiian sculptural tradition, Hawaiian Sculpture documents most known extant indigenous carvings of the human figure and identifies their location in public and private collections. More than 164 illustrations illuminate the wooden sculpture of artists whose names are unknown but who were brilliant by any standard.

The revised (1988) edition adds recently discovered pieces and a new introduction. The first edition discussed 147 pieces; the revised edition presents 17 previously uncatalogued works, making the volume a valuable addition to the field of Oceanic art.