On an ancient Pacific island, a tradition of holy men has been passed down from the ancestors.  The holy men live in a peaceful, high mountain camp. They gather plants to make medicines, commune with the spirits of ancestors, then travel from village to village giving medicines, guidance, and blessing the villagers.  The holy man is welcomed by all villages, and when he asks an intuitive, young boy to be his assistant and learn medicine, it is an honor.

            In Book One, Kai is a boy that would rather meditate alone by a waterfall, than fish with his father and brothers.  When asked to become the holy man’s assistant, despite having to leave his family and village, Kai readily accepts. He travels with the holy man, and older assistant Konani, to the mountain camp where he will begin his training.

            Kai begins a new life that he never could have imagined.  What started as a peaceful life in the mountain camp, is soon shattered by the threat of war. He meets Kekoa, a giant of a man, that is a warrior and champion for peace. Kekoa tells the holy man of a young chieftain, that lusts for power, and plans to make war on the villages.

            Although Kai still has a lot to learn, he has acquired enough knowledge of local plants and making medicines, to receive the sacred initiation ceremony bringing him into the ancestral lineage of medicine men. Kai becomes one of the youngest medicine men on the island.

            The holy man, Kai and Konani leave camp, and begin their journey around the island, so they can warn the villagers to prepare for battle. Meanwhile, Kekoa decides to lead boats of villagers to another island, rather than lead them into war. Kai meets Melani, an angry young girl, that must leave her grandfather, to cross the sea with the villagers and Kekoa.

            Kai suffers great loss, and must grow up quickly, yet he finds comfort in exploring the island and immersing himself in his new role. The last village they warn, is home to the holy man’s four brothers. The brothers rally men from villages around the area to prepare for battle. Following the exciting conclusion, Kai settles into a new home and a life he enjoys very much.