The tale of Max Schlemmer is powerful, compelling non-fiction. Max is a "renaissance" man who survives the danger of whaling in the frigid North Pacific, works on various Hawaiian sugar plantations, captains sailing vessels, pioneers the guano business on Laysan Island, takes on the duties of mid-wife, is a Honolulu Police captain, and a motorman with Honolulu Rapid Transit Co., and always a man devoted to family and country.

Max is also an entrepreneur. In his early years in Hawaii, he gained "squatter's rights" to Laysan Island. Later he established his home on this tiny, distant, and isolated island. Though many business ventures failed, he dreamed of a "kingdom" on Laysan Island. Perhaps he dreamed and schemed also about the vast riches to be gained in the bird plumage trade.

Max Schlemmer, Hawaii's King of Laysan Island takes place during an interesting period of Hawaiian history. Max is involved in rioting which leads to the overthrow of the monarchy and to Hawaii becoming the Territiory of Hawaii. Max is a constant gadfly to the local authorities; his actions often lead them into uncharted waters and reverberates finally in Washington D.C.

Max Schlemmer, Hawaii's King of Laysan Island is also the story of the life and death of an island.