In Waimea summer, Holt makes it clear that Mark as well as some of his relatives have conflicting feelings about their Hawaiian heritage. Mark has traveled to Waimea form Honolulu to stay the summer with his fathers, cousin, and his family. "Uncle Fred" recently widowed for the third time is notorious for his love of women and the effect he has on them in marriage. Although Mark never openly states his feelings toward beliefs in spirits he seems apprehensive. .
Mark is quite knowledgeable about the history of Hawaii and this impresses many people he encounters. His family is said to have been royalist to the core and it is apparent that they have been blessed with ample funds. The transactions of his family however, led to the destruction of their estate lands, this was thought to have been common knowledge among the residents of the islands. .
At one point, he meets Albert Baxter who was once asked to manage the ranches of Mark's great grandfather. Through their discussion Mark learns that there was great conflict over whether or not Baxter should manage the lands. At this same event, he encounters Mrs. Warrington who later gives him a gift that does something strange to him. This angers him, he believes it is because he is Hawaiian and therefore he sees omens in everything. .
Mark travels with his "Uncle" to stay with Moriyama's house and while this goes against an elder to protect a Japanese women who works in the house. He consoles the girl and later is rewarded with her companionship. At times Mark seems to be proud of his family and their history, yet in some cases he feels ashamed of their loss. Other times he curses himself and feels he is trapped by the mistakes of his forefathers. Overall, I think Mark feels the conflicts of any young person; he worries too much about what others think and dwells too much on things he cannot control. .
I believe upon leaving Waimea he feels a sense of closure and a new found knowledge.