Whip Hoxworth, a sea captain, returns to Hawaii and discovers his inheritance is left in the hands of his wife, Purity, leading to tensions between them. He turns his attention to exploiting the land's resources, particularly sugar and pineapple, engaging in cutthroat business maneuvers. Whip brings in indentured laborers from China, including Mun Ki, who becomes an integral part of the plantation's workforce. The narrative follows the struggles and adaptation of these laborers, focusing particularly on Mun Ki's wife, Nyuk Tsin, who navigates the challenges of her new life in Hawaii.

As Whip battles both personal and professional hurdles in his quest for wealth and power, Mun Ki and Nyuk Tsin work diligently to secure a better future for their family amidst the backdrop of changing social and economic landscapes. The story explores themes of ambition, cultural clash, and resilience. The developing dynamics between the native Hawaiians, Chinese laborers, and the ambitious settlers set the stage for dramatic confrontations and alliances. Through their intertwined fates, the characters face unforeseen consequences and must make difficult choices that shape the island's future.