Hawaiki Rising, the book by Oak Bluffs author Sam Low about the Hawaiian cultural renaissance, has won a Nautilus Award.

The award, which carries a monetary prize, honors books about social and environmental justice.

Published last May, Hawaiki Rising tells the story of building and sailing Hokule’a, a replica of an ancient Polynesian voyaging canoe, and the rediscovery of the ancient science of Polynesian non-instrument navigation. The book also traces the revival of Hawaiian culture sparked by voyaging the ancient sea routes of the ancestors. It is Mr. Low’s first book.

“The story is about the renaissance of Hawaiian culture, and the rediscovery of how our ancestors were able to navigate,” the author told the Gazette in an interview last summer. “They had to sail against the prevailing winds and currents, so they must have had very advanced equipment.” Mr. Low’s cousin, Nainoa Thompson, a Hawaiian who reconnected with his tribal roots to become a skilled navigator, is a focal point of the book.

Hawaiki Rising was awarded a silver Nautilus award, it was announced on April 18. In an email to the Gazette, Mr. Low said the book also has been nominated for a Kapalapala award in Hawaii and is a finalist for Book of the Year from Foreward Reviews.