How does James A. Michener use imagery in Hawaii?

Imagery:

"Millions upon millions of years before had risen upon earth, the central areas of this tremendous ocean were empty, and where famous islands now exist nothing rose about the rolling waves. Of course, crude forms of life sometimes moved through the deep, but for the most part the central ocean was marked only by enormous waves that arose at the command of the moon and wind. Dark, dark, they swept the surface of the empty sea, falling only upon themselves terrible and puissant and lonely."

"Now came the days of gold, the memorable days when the Thetis rolled gently in the sun, all canvas set, and dolphins chased flying fish that shone in iridescence as they leaped."