3 min read•Last Updated on July 24, 2024
Hawaiian culture is deeply rooted in Polynesian heritage, shaping daily life and worldview. It's built on core values like aloha, mālama, lōkahi, and kuleana, which guide behavior and decision-making in society.
Hawaiian identity is strongly tied to the land ('āina), genealogy, language, and traditional practices. The connection to nature, family ties, and spiritual beliefs form the backbone of Hawaiian culture, influencing everything from social structures to resource management.
Hawaiian religion - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Hawaii culture show | Tommy Wong | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Hawaiian religion - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Hawaii culture show | Tommy Wong | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
Hawaiian religion - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Hawaii culture show | Tommy Wong | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Hawaiian religion - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Hawaii culture show | Tommy Wong | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
Ahupua'a is a traditional Hawaiian land division that extends from the mountains to the sea, encompassing diverse ecosystems and resources necessary for sustainable living. This system reflects the interconnectedness of nature and human life, demonstrating the importance of resource management and community collaboration in Hawaiian culture.
Term 1 of 19
Ahupua'a is a traditional Hawaiian land division that extends from the mountains to the sea, encompassing diverse ecosystems and resources necessary for sustainable living. This system reflects the interconnectedness of nature and human life, demonstrating the importance of resource management and community collaboration in Hawaiian culture.
Term 1 of 19
Ahupua'a is a traditional Hawaiian land division that extends from the mountains to the sea, encompassing diverse ecosystems and resources necessary for sustainable living. This system reflects the interconnectedness of nature and human life, demonstrating the importance of resource management and community collaboration in Hawaiian culture.
Term 1 of 19
Aloha is a Hawaiian word that means love, affection, peace, compassion, and mercy. It's more than just a greeting; it embodies a philosophy of treating others with kindness and respect, fostering community connections, and promoting a harmonious existence. The essence of aloha is deeply intertwined with Hawaiian identity, cultural practices, and the broader values that influence Hawaii's role in the world.
Pono: A Hawaiian term that means righteousness or balance, emphasizing moral conduct and living in harmony with others and the environment.
Ohana: A Hawaiian word for family that extends beyond blood relations, encompassing friends and community members, signifying the importance of support and connection.
Malama: To care for or protect; this term reflects the value of stewardship towards the land and community in Hawaiian culture.
Mālama is a Hawaiian term that means to care for, protect, or preserve something, especially in relation to the land and environment. It embodies the concept of stewardship and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and maintaining natural resources and cultural heritage. This idea of mālama reflects deep connections to identity, community, and the environment in Hawaiian culture, showcasing how the values of caring for people and places are essential to a sustainable way of life.
Aloha ʻĀina: Aloha ʻĀina translates to 'love of the land' and signifies a deep respect and responsibility for the environment, reflecting an intrinsic connection between people and their surroundings.
Kuleana: Kuleana refers to one's responsibility or privilege; it encompasses both rights and obligations, emphasizing the importance of taking care of one’s land and community.
Ohana: Ohana means family in Hawaiian culture, extending beyond blood relations to include friends and community members, stressing the importance of care and support within a larger familial context.
Lōkahi is a Hawaiian term that embodies the concept of unity and harmony among people, nature, and the universe. This idea emphasizes the interconnectedness of all elements in life, highlighting the importance of balance and cooperation within communities and the environment. In Hawaiian culture, lōkahi serves as a guiding principle for building relationships, fostering understanding, and achieving collective well-being.
Aloha: A Hawaiian word meaning love, compassion, and mutual respect, which is essential for creating positive relationships and community cohesion.
Kuleana: The concept of responsibility and privilege, emphasizing the duty individuals have to their family, community, and land.
Pūerto: A term reflecting the connection between people and their environment, focusing on the reciprocal relationship between individuals and nature.
Kuleana refers to the sense of responsibility, ownership, and stewardship that individuals have towards their land, community, and cultural practices in Hawaiian society. This concept emphasizes the deep connection between people and their environment, encouraging sustainable use of resources and active participation in the welfare of the community.
Ahupua'a: A traditional Hawaiian land division system that extends from the mountains to the sea, where communities manage natural resources sustainably within their respective zones.
Aloha ʻĀina: A Hawaiian value that signifies love for the land, embodying respect for nature and the importance of environmental conservation.
Mālama: The practice of caring for and protecting the environment, which is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and aligns with the principles of kuleana.
'Āina refers to the land, encompassing not only the physical earth but also the resources, ecosystems, and cultural significance tied to it. This concept is deeply rooted in Hawaiian identity, emphasizing the connection between people and their environment. Understanding 'āina is essential for appreciating the broader aspects of Hawaiian culture, spirituality, and community relationships that shape the identity of its people.
Kanaka Maoli: The native people of Hawaii, who have a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the 'āina and its resources.
Kuleana: The responsibility or duty individuals have towards their land and community, reflecting the importance of stewardship of the 'āina.
Aloha ʻĀina: A love for the land that manifests in caring for and protecting the environment, embodying a sense of responsibility to 'āina.
Ahupua'a is a traditional Hawaiian land division that extends from the mountains to the sea, encompassing diverse ecosystems and resources necessary for sustainable living. This system reflects the interconnectedness of nature and human life, demonstrating the importance of resource management and community collaboration in Hawaiian culture.
Kuleana: A system of land tenure in Hawaii that grants individuals rights to use land while also emphasizing responsibilities to care for that land.
Mālama ʻĀina: A Hawaiian concept meaning 'to care for the land,' which reflects the cultural practice of stewardship and sustainable management of natural resources.
Lo'i: Wet taro patches traditionally cultivated in the ahupua'a system, highlighting agricultural practices that sustain communities.
Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance form that combines rhythmic movement, chant, and music to convey stories, emotions, and cultural values. This art form is deeply rooted in Hawaiian oral traditions, embodying the history, spirituality, and identity of the Hawaiian people.
Mele: A traditional Hawaiian chant or song that often accompanies hula performances, used to convey stories or express feelings.
Oli: A type of Hawaiian chant that is performed without instruments and often serves a ceremonial purpose, connecting spiritual beliefs with cultural practices.
Kumu Hula: A hula teacher or master who imparts knowledge and skills related to hula and its cultural significance to students.
Ho'oponopono is a traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of addressing conflicts through open communication and restoring harmony within families or communities. This practice embodies core Hawaiian values like pono (righteousness) and kuleana (responsibility), reinforcing the need for personal accountability and communal well-being.
Pono: A Hawaiian term that means righteousness, balance, or moral correctness, often used in discussions about ethical behavior and community well-being.
Kuleana: A Hawaiian concept referring to personal responsibility or duty, highlighting the importance of individuals taking ownership of their actions and their impact on the community.
Aloha Spirit: The essence of Hawaii's culture that emphasizes love, compassion, and mutual respect, guiding interactions between individuals and within communities.
Lā'au lapa'au refers to the traditional Hawaiian practice of healing using native plants and herbs. This form of healing is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects, showcasing the holistic view of health in Hawaiian society. The term connects to broader themes of identity, culture, and the significance of indigenous knowledge in maintaining health and wellness within the community.
Hoʻoponopono: A traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness that aims to restore harmony within individuals and their families.
Hāloa: An important cultural figure in Hawaiian mythology, representing the connection between the Hawaiian people and their land, emphasizing the significance of roots and ancestry.
Kumu hula: A hula teacher or master who transmits cultural knowledge, practices, and traditions through dance and chant.
Kāne is a significant figure in Hawaiian culture, representing the god of procreation, fresh water, and the male principle in Hawaiian mythology. He is often associated with creation and fertility, playing a vital role in the spiritual and cultural identity of the Hawaiian people, embodying the essence of life and growth.
Kanaloa: Kanaloa is another important deity in Hawaiian mythology, often associated with the ocean, healing, and the spirit of the sea.
Pele: Pele is the goddess of fire and volcanoes in Hawaiian mythology, symbolizing transformation and the power of creation through destruction.
Aumakua: Aumakua are ancestral guardian spirits in Hawaiian culture that often take the form of animals and are believed to provide protection and guidance to families.
Lono is one of the principal deities in Hawaiian mythology, associated with agriculture, fertility, and the harvest. As a god of peace and prosperity, Lono is celebrated during the Makahiki season, which honors the renewal of the land and the abundance it provides. His significance extends through various aspects of Hawaiian culture, including oral traditions, social structures, and spiritual practices.
Makahiki: An annual festival in Hawaii that honors Lono, characterized by a time of peace, harvest celebration, and spiritual renewal.
Aloha ʻĀina: A Hawaiian value that expresses love for the land and its resources, connecting closely with Lono's associations with fertility and agriculture.
Kamehameha: The first king of Hawaii who united the islands, Kamehameha is often associated with Lono due to the emphasis on agriculture and prosperity during his reign.
Kapu is a traditional Hawaiian system of laws, restrictions, and sacred rules that govern social behavior and interactions within the community. This system was deeply intertwined with spirituality, social hierarchy, and cultural identity, establishing what was permissible or taboo in various aspects of life.
Mana: Mana refers to the spiritual power and energy believed to reside in people, objects, and the environment, closely linked to the concept of kapu as it determines the sacredness of certain practices and places.
Ali'i: Ali'i are the chief class in Hawaiian society, whose authority was reinforced by the kapu system, making them the guardians of its laws and spiritual practices.
Pule: Pule is a Hawaiian term for prayer or invocation, reflecting the spiritual dimension of kapu, as many restrictions were linked to the worship and respect for the gods.
Ali'i refers to the hereditary chiefs and nobility in Hawaiian society, who held significant political and social power. These leaders were not just rulers but also served as caretakers of the land and people, embodying the values and traditions of their communities. Their role was crucial in maintaining the structure of Hawaiian society, particularly in the context of land divisions and governance.
Kapuna: Elders or ancestors in Hawaiian culture, often respected for their wisdom and knowledge, playing a vital role in guiding families and communities.
Kahuna: Priests or experts in various fields such as healing, navigation, or fishing, who held important spiritual and practical knowledge within Hawaiian society.
Mahi'ai: Farmers or cultivators who worked the land and produced food, often under the guidance or ownership of the ali'i.
Kahuna refers to a Hawaiian priest, expert, or specialist who held a respected position in society, often serving as a spiritual leader or healer. They played a vital role in the cultural and religious practices of early Hawaiian society, where they were responsible for various tasks such as conducting rituals, healing the sick, and maintaining the kapu system. The influence of kahuna extended beyond spirituality, affecting social hierarchies and the preservation of Hawaiian cultural identity.
kapu: A system of sacred laws and restrictions that governed daily life in Hawaiian society, dictating what was permissible and what was forbidden.
aliʻi: The ruling class or nobility in Hawaiian society, often related to the chief lineage and responsible for governing and making decisions for their communities.
hana: The term for work or action in Hawaiian, emphasizing the importance of labor in sustaining community and culture.
Queen Lili'uokalani was the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, serving from 1891 until her overthrow in 1893. She is a key figure in Hawaiian history, representing the struggle for sovereignty and cultural identity during a time of immense political change and foreign influence.
Hawaiian Renaissance: A cultural revival movement in the late 20th century that aimed to restore and promote Hawaiian language, traditions, and identity.
Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy: The event in 1893 when Queen Lili'uokalani was deposed by a group of American and European business interests, leading to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States.
Mele: Traditional Hawaiian chants or songs that convey history, culture, and emotions, often reflecting the experiences of the Hawaiian people.
Pūnana leo refers to Hawaiian language immersion preschools designed to revitalize and promote 'Ōlelo Hawai'i among young children. These schools serve as a critical part of the effort to maintain Hawaiian culture and identity, emphasizing the importance of language in nurturing a connection to heritage and community.
'Ōlelo Hawai'i: 'Ōlelo Hawai'i is the Hawaiian language, an essential component of Hawaiian culture, which reflects the history, values, and traditions of the Hawaiian people.
Kula Kaiapuni: Kula Kaiapuni is a Hawaiian language immersion program for K-12 students that builds on the foundation provided by pūnana leo, continuing the use of 'Ōlelo Hawai'i in education.
Aloha ʻĀina: Aloha ʻĀina is a term expressing love for the land, embodying the deep connection between Hawaiian people and their environment, which is often taught in pūnana leo settings through cultural practices.