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🌺Hawaiian Studies

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 Cultural Foundations

Define and explain the concept of Hawaiian culture

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  • Hawaiian culture encompasses traditional beliefs and practices rooted in ancient Polynesian heritage shaping daily life and worldview
    • Social structures organized around chiefdoms and extended family units
    • Arts and crafts reflect deep connection to nature (kapa cloth, featherwork)
    • Hawaiian language central to cultural identity and knowledge transmission
    • Relationship with land and sea based on stewardship and reciprocity
  • Core values guide behavior and decision-making in Hawaiian society
    • Aloha embodies love, compassion, and mutual respect in all interactions
    • Mālama emphasizes caring for people, land, and resources
    • Lōkahi promotes unity and harmony within community and environment
    • Kuleana stresses personal and collective responsibility to fulfill obligations
  • Oral traditions vital for preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge
    • Preservation of history through memorized genealogies and legends
    • Passing down of mo'okū'auhau connects individuals to ancestral lineages
    • Storytelling through mele and oli conveys cultural values and historical events

Identify key elements of Hawaiian identity

  • Connection to 'āina fundamental to Hawaiian worldview and way of life
    • Ahupua'a system divided land from mountain to sea ensuring resource access
    • Sustainable practices like crop rotation and fish pond aquaculture
  • Genealogy and family ties form backbone of social structure and identity
    • Mo'okū'auhau knowledge links individuals to ancestors and land
    • 'Ohana extends beyond immediate family to include broader community
  • Language revival crucial for cultural continuity and expression
    • Hawaiian language immersion schools established to preserve fluency
    • Integration of Hawaiian words and concepts in everyday speech
  • Traditional practices maintain cultural continuity and spiritual well-being
    • Hula preserves history and cultural values through dance and chant
    • Ho'oponopono resolves conflicts and restores harmony within families
    • Lā'au lapa'au utilizes native plants for physical and spiritual healing
  • Spiritual beliefs shape relationship with natural world and community
    • Polytheistic religion recognizes many deities (Pele, Kāne, Lono)
    • Nature deities associated with specific elements and phenomena
    • Kapu system regulated behavior and resource use through sacred prohibitions

Historical and Contemporary Contexts

Describe the impact of colonization on Hawaiian culture and identity

  • Pre-contact Hawaiian society thrived with complex social and economic systems
    • Hierarchical structure led by ali'i (chiefs) and kahuna (priests)
    • Self-sufficient economy based on agriculture and aquaculture
  • European arrival in 1778 initiated profound changes in Hawaiian society
    • Captain James Cook's voyages introduced Western goods and ideas
    • Foreign diseases decimated native population (smallpox, measles)
  • Overthrow of monarchy in 1893 marked end of Hawaiian self-governance
    • Queen Lili'uokalani deposed by American-backed coup
    • U.S. annexation in 1898 incorporated Hawaii as territory
  • Cultural suppression policies eroded traditional practices and knowledge
    • Hawaiian language banned in schools from 1896 to 1986
    • Christian missionaries discouraged traditional religious practices
  • Land dispossession disrupted traditional relationships with 'āina
    • Great Mahele of 1848 introduced private land ownership concept
    • Native Hawaiians lost access to ancestral lands and resources

Explain the Hawaiian Renaissance and its significance

  • Cultural revival movement in 1970s reignited interest in Hawaiian heritage
    • Traditional practices like hula and canoe voyaging experienced resurgence
    • Hawaiian language revitalization efforts launched statewide
  • Political activism sought to address historical injustices and rights
    • Office of Hawaiian Affairs established to advocate for native interests
    • Sovereignty movements emerged advocating for self-determination
  • Educational initiatives aimed to preserve and promote Hawaiian knowledge
    • Hawaiian immersion schools (Pūnana Leo) founded to teach language
    • Hawaiian studies programs integrated into public school curricula
  • Artistic renaissance celebrated traditional and contemporary expressions
    • Revival of ancient art forms (kapa making, featherwork)
    • Contemporary Hawaiian music blended traditional and modern styles

Key Terms to Review (19)

Ahupua'a: 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.
āina: '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.
Ali'i: 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.
Aloha: 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.
Hawaiian Renaissance: The Hawaiian Renaissance refers to a cultural revival that began in the late 20th century, focused on the resurgence of Hawaiian language, arts, and traditions as a response to the effects of colonization and cultural assimilation. This movement has led to a renewed pride in Hawaiian identity, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural practices, language, and historical awareness.
Ho'oponopono: 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.
Hula: 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.
Kahuna: 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.
Kānaka maoli movement: The kānaka maoli movement is a cultural and political initiative aimed at the revitalization and assertion of the rights, identity, and heritage of Native Hawaiians. This movement seeks to reclaim and celebrate traditional practices, languages, and values while addressing historical injustices faced by the Hawaiian people. It plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary Hawaiian culture and identity, particularly through the resurgence of traditional navigation and cultural practices.
Kāne: 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.
Kapu: 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.
Kuleana: 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.
Lā'au lapa'au: 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.
Lōkahi: 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.
Lono: 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.
Mālama: 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.
Overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom: The overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom refers to the illegal removal of Queen Liliuokalani from power in 1893, which marked the end of the monarchy in Hawaii. This event was driven by a group of American and European business interests, supported by the U.S. government, leading to significant changes in Hawaii's political landscape and its eventual annexation by the United States. The overthrow has lasting implications for Hawaiian culture, identity, and sovereignty movements today.
Pūnana leo: 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.
Queen Lili'uokalani: 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.
Ahupua'a
See definition

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

Key Terms to Review (19)

Ahupua'a
See definition

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
See definition

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



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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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