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Hawaiian Studies
Unit 3 Overview: Hawaiian Society: Structure and Values
3.1 Hawaiian Social Hierarchy and Kapu System
3.2 Hawaiian Spirituality and Mythology
3.3 Traditional Hawaiian Values and Practices
3.4 Family Structure and Genealogy

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3.3 Traditional Hawaiian Values and Practices

Last Updated on July 24, 2024

Hawaiian values like aloha, mālama, and kuleana shape daily life and relationships. These principles foster harmony, mutual respect, and accountability within communities, guiding interactions with people and the environment.

Cultural practices like hula, oli, and mo'olelo preserve history and transmit knowledge across generations. The ahupua'a system exemplifies Hawaiian resource management, integrating spiritual beliefs with sustainable land use from mountains to sea.

Hawaiian Values and Cultural Practices

Key Hawaiian values

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  • Aloha 2 Seamless Pattern by jilbert on DeviantArt View original

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  • Ho’oponopono – Hawaiian Code Of Forgiveness : In5D Esoteric, Metaphysical, and Spiritual Database View original

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Top images from around the web for Key Hawaiian values

  • Aloha 2 Seamless Pattern by jilbert on DeviantArt View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Ho’oponopono – Hawaiian Code Of Forgiveness : In5D Esoteric, Metaphysical, and Spiritual Database View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Aloha 2 Seamless Pattern by jilbert on DeviantArt View original

    Is this image relevant?

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  • Aloha encompasses love, compassion, kindness used as greeting and farewell represents harmony and mutual respect (lei giving)

  • Mālama means to care for, protect, preserve applied to relationships with people, land, resources (beach cleanups)

  • Kuleana involves responsibility, privilege, right personal and collective accountability (caring for elders)

  • Ho'oponopono traditional conflict resolution and forgiveness practice restores harmony through confession, forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation (family disputes)

Reciprocity in Hawaiian society

  • Mutual exchange of goods, services, support strengthened community bonds ensured collective well-being (sharing fish catches)

  • Kapu system regulated resource use and conservation imposed seasonal restrictions on fishing and harvesting

  • Long-term vision for resource use and preservation integrated spiritual beliefs with environmental stewardship (konohiki system)

Cultural transmission through arts

  • Hula expresses stories, genealogies, cultural values preserves history, mythology, connection to nature (hula kahiko, hula 'auana)

  • Oli chants used for prayers, genealogies, storytelling transmit oral traditions and cultural practices (birth chants)

  • Mo'olelo stories, legends, historical accounts convey moral lessons, cultural values, historical events (Pele legends)

  • Hula, oli, mo'olelo work together to preserve knowledge reinforce cultural identity and connection to ancestors

Ahupua'a system for resource management

  • Traditional land division from mountain to sea bounded by ridgelines or natural features provided access to diverse ecosystems and resources

  • Hierarchical structure with konohiki overseeing resource use facilitated cooperation and shared responsibility

  • Integrated farming and aquaculture systems employed rotational harvesting and conservation methods (loko i'a fishponds)

  • 'Auwai irrigation channels distributed water throughout ahupua'a ensured equitable access for agriculture (taro farming)

  • Reinforced connection between people and land reflected Hawaiian worldview of interconnectedness and balance

Key Terms to Review (14)

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.
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.
Auwai: Auwai refers to the traditional Hawaiian irrigation system that channels water from streams or other sources to taro fields. This method not only supports agricultural practices but also reflects the deep connection between the land, water, and Hawaiian culture, showcasing a sustainable approach to resource management.
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 Kahiko: Hula kahiko is a traditional form of hula that incorporates ancient chants and movements, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii. It is performed without the use of modern instruments, relying instead on the beat of the pahu (drum) and other native instruments, showcasing the values, beliefs, and history of the Hawaiian people. This traditional dance form serves as a way to preserve ancestral wisdom while also connecting the performers and audience to their cultural roots.
Hula 'auana: Hula 'auana is a contemporary form of hula that emphasizes graceful movements and storytelling through dance, often performed to modern music. It connects deeply to traditional Hawaiian values and practices by serving as a means of cultural expression, preserving history, and maintaining community ties through the art of dance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mo'olelo: Mo'olelo refers to the stories, histories, and narratives that are integral to Hawaiian culture, encompassing a range of themes from mythology to genealogy. These stories are passed down through generations, preserving the values, traditions, and identity of the Hawaiian people while also serving as educational tools. Mo'olelo connects to the broader practices of mele (song) and oli (chant), emphasizing the importance of oral traditions in maintaining cultural heritage.
Oli: Oli refers to the traditional Hawaiian chant that is an essential form of oral expression, conveying cultural, spiritual, and historical narratives. This art form serves as a way to preserve language and heritage, showcasing the deep connection between the community, their values, and their identity. Oli is often performed in various contexts, including ceremonies and celebrations, making it a vital aspect of cultural practices and language revival efforts in Hawaii.
Loko i'a: Loko i'a refers to traditional Hawaiian fishponds that are designed to cultivate and harvest fish in a sustainable manner. These aquaculture systems showcase the innovative practices of ancient Hawaiians, emphasizing resource management and environmental stewardship, which are essential aspects of traditional Hawaiian society.
Konohiki: Konohiki refers to a traditional Hawaiian land manager or steward responsible for overseeing specific ahupua'a, which are land divisions that extend from the mountains to the sea. This role was vital for managing resources sustainably and maintaining harmony within the community, reflecting the deep connection between people and their environment in Hawaiian culture.
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3.4 Family Structure and Genealogy