William Drake Westervelt (1849–1939) was an author and researcher who dedicated his career to documenting and popularizing the rich folklore, mythology, and history of the Hawaiian Islands. Writing in the early twentieth century, Westervelt became a key figure in bringing traditional Hawaiian narratives to a wider English-speaking audience through his numerous books and magazine articles.\n\nIn compiling his works, Westervelt relied heavily on the historical collections and writings of pioneering Hawaiian scholars such as David Malo, Samuel Kamakau, and Abraham Fornander. By drawing upon these authoritative sources, he was able to preserve and share complex cultural narratives. His major publications include Legends of Maui (1910), Legends of Old Honolulu (1915), Legends of Gods and Ghost-Gods (1915), Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes (1916), and Hawaiian Historical Legends (1923). Through these compiled legends, Westervelt sought to foster a deeper appreciation for the spiritual and historical heritage of Hawaii.
