Native Hawaiians

Kamehamehaii

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Hula Kahiko Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 02

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Native Hawaiian man pounding taro into poi with two children by his sides., c. 1890s

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Jean-Pierre Norblin de La Gourdaine (after Louis Choris), Temple du Roi dans la baie Tiritatéa (c. 1816, published 1822)

Native Hawaiians (Kānaka ʻŌiwi, Kānaka Maoli, and Hawaiʻi Maoli) are the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands. They are the original inhabitants of the islands and are considered to be part of the broader category of Polynesians, who are spread across the central and southern Pacific Ocean. Native Hawaiians have a rich cultural heritage that predates the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778, marking the first documented contact between Europeans and the Hawaiian Islands.

History

The history of Native Hawaiians is deeply rooted in oral traditions and cultural practices. According to these traditions, Hawaiians originated from Kahiki, a mythical land, often identified with Tahiti. They navigated the ocean using stars, wind, and bird patterns, showcasing advanced skills in wayfinding and Polynesian navigation. The first settlers are believed to have arrived in Hawaii around 300-600 AD, establishing complex societies based on agriculture, fishing, and social hierarchy.

The arrival of Europeans in the 18th century brought significant changes to the Native Hawaiian population and culture. Diseases introduced by foreigners decimated the population, and the social structure began to change under the influence of Western ideologies. The 19th century saw the consolidation of the Hawaiian Islands under a single monarchy, the Kingdom of Hawaii, which was eventually overthrown in 1893 with the support of American and European businessmen. Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898.

Culture

Native Hawaiian culture is a vibrant part of Hawaii's identity, encompassing music, dance, language, and art. The hula, a traditional dance accompanied by chants or songs called mele, is a significant cultural practice that tells stories of the gods, ancestors, and the history of the islands. The Hawaiian language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) is central to the preservation of Native Hawaiian culture, despite having been suppressed in the past. Efforts to revive the language have been successful, with immersion schools and educational programs promoting its use among younger generations.

Sovereignty and Activism

The question of Native Hawaiian sovereignty has been a contentious issue since the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Various movements and groups advocate for different forms of sovereignty, ranging from federal recognition as a Native American tribe to complete independence. The Akaka Bill, named after Senator Daniel Akaka, sought to establish a process for Native Hawaiian recognition by the U.S. government but has faced numerous challenges in Congress.

Demographics

Today, Native Hawaiians make up a significant portion of Hawaii's population, though many also live in other parts of the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau recognizes Native Hawaiians as part of the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) category. Challenges such as health disparities, economic inequality, and loss of land rights continue to affect the Native Hawaiian community.

Conclusion

Native Hawaiians hold a unique place in the history and culture of Hawaii and the broader Pacific region. Their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage and seek justice for historical grievances highlight the resilience and strength of the Native Hawaiian people. As Hawaii continues to evolve, the role of Native Hawaiians in shaping its future remains a vital part of the islands' identity.