Write a brief profile of Epeli Hau'ofa and the theme of his literary work?

Epeli Hau'ofa was a prominent Tongan writer, anthropologist, and academic. He was born in Tonga in 1939 and passed away in 2009. Hau'ofa was known for his groundbreaking work in Pacific studies, particularly his exploration of Pacific Islander identity and culture.

One of the central themes in Hau'ofa's literary work is the idea of the "sea of islands," which challenges the traditional view of the Pacific as a collection of isolated and disconnected islands. Instead, Hau'ofa argued that the Pacific should be seen as a interconnected and dynamic region, with a shared history, culture, and identity.

Hau'ofa's work often focused on the importance of storytelling and oral traditions in Pacific Islander cultures, as well as the impact of colonization and globalization on Pacific communities. His writing is characterized by its lyrical and evocative style, as well as its deep sense of connection to the land and sea.

Overall, Epeli Hau'ofa's work is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of Pacific Islander identity, culture, and history, and continues to be influential in the field of Pacific studies today.