Culture of Hawaii Information & Culture of Hawaii Links at HealthHaven.com

Traditional Polynesian dancers performing near Waikiki beach, on Oahu.

The culture of Hawaii has its origins in the traditional culture of the Native Hawaiians. As Hawaii has become a home to many different ethnic groups in the last 200 years, each ethnic group has added elements of its own culture to local life. Today, contemporary culture in Hawaii is a mix of the different cultures and ethnic groups that make up its unique population.

[edit] Visual art and culture in Hawaii

Kamehameha the Great wearing his royal feather cape over western clothes

In museums in Hawaii today, there are relics from Kamehameha I's reign. Notably, there are feather cloaks. Historically, red was a color of holy, innate power, and yellow was a color of secular, political power. During Kamehameha I's reign, as Kamehameha proceeded to conquer and unite most of what is now Hawaii, yellow came to replace red as the more desirable color.

East Hawaii Cultural Center is operated by the East Hawaii Cultural Council to represent cultural, creative and traditional arts in Hawaii.

[edit] Traditional Hawaiian religion

Ho'oponopono (ho-o-pono-pono) is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness, combined with prayer. Similar forgiveness practices were performed on islands throughout the South Pacific, including Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand. Traditionally hoʻoponopono is practiced by healing priests or kahuna lapaʻau among family members of a person who is physically ill. Modern versions are performed within the family by a family elder, or by the individual alone.

Lono - traditional god of agriculture and providence

Ku - aggressor god, symbol of Kamehameha

Aumakua - family totems

[edit] Oppression and Post-contact Hawaii

The Hawaiian Culture was discouraged and even banned by Calvinists Missionaries, beginning in 1819 with the end of the Kapu system of law by Queen Ka'ahumanu. Two resurgences occurred, the First Hawaiian Renaissance in from 1875 to 1887 during the Reign of King David Kalākaua I, considered the savior of Hula and Hawaiian Culture. After the missionary descendents took power in 1887 Hawaiian culture was once again under repression, for example the Hawaiian Language was outlawed in 1896. During the territorial era and the beginning of traveling, the Hawaiian Culture became appealing to tourists and was somewhat encouraged. Beginning in the 1960’s then gaining momentum in the 1970’s the second resurgence known as the Second Hawaiian Renaissance occurred. Lasting until the 1980s, it once again instilled national pride in Hawaiians*. In 1993 on the 100th anniversary of the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom a mass protest occurred at the State Capital. Following this, President Bill Clinton signed the Apology Resolution, bringing an end to the oppression of Hawaiian Culture.

[edit] Tourism and Its Effects on the Native Culture

The ever increasing development of Hawaii combined with the strengthening tourism industry has led to Native Hawaiians struggling to preserve their culture. To meet the demand of this industry new hotels are continuously being built and expanded. “Almost every major resort development has been built on some culturally significant sight.” 4 A prime example of this is the Keonaloa development site where twenty two acres of burial grounds were relocated to a one acre plot on the property. This site was then built in the marketing strategy for the resort. This degradation of the environment is very important to their way of life as it is integrated into the cultural and social traditions. 5 Moreover, developing these properties has diminished the Natives ability to keep traditional livelihoods such as fishing, gathering food and medicine which, in turn, diminishes their meaning of life. Furthermore, with growing disparity Natives are reduced to a limited amount of avenues to satisfy their basic needs. Because tourism provides Hawaii with so much money other fields are neglected. Such as trying to promote education in Native Hawaiian households. Kanaka maolis(indigenous people of Hawaii) are ranked the lowest when it comes to education . They are also disproportionaly represented in jails and welfare rolls. Tourism and the Hawaiian government neglect the native people but use their culture and ways to make money.

[edit] See also

Contents

[edit] Visual art and culture in Hawaii

[edit] Traditional Hawaiian religion

[edit] Oppression and Post-contact Hawaii

[edit] Tourism and Its Effects on the Native Culture

[edit] See also