Hawaii culture is a strong element in the islands. Unfortunately, many visitors miss out this unique experience.Hawaiian Language
Hawaiian Time
Hawaiian History
Hawaiian Traditions
Hawaiian Food
There are tons of things to see an do in the islands without ever learning anything about the culture of the Hawaiian people.But in my opinion you are missing out if you skip over that element of a visit to the islands.
The Hawaiian people are so happy and friendly, they add a unique element to your Hawaiian vacation.
Hawaiian History
Modern day Hawaiians arrived on the islands around 1000 years ago. They were preceded by settlers from the Marquesas Islands 500 years earlier, but with the arrival of the Tahitians, the Marquesas settlers were pushed out, and there is speculation that this race is what became known as the Menehune.
The Tahitians brought their own set of customs and added a few new ones. The society was one of strict adherence to rules by the lower class and extreme privilege by the ruling class of Ali'i.
With the arrival of Captain Cook in the islands in 1778, the history of Hawaii was changed forever. The introduction of the "white" man brought with it not only the influence of an outside culture, but also the diseases of that culture.
With the arrival of "civilization" came the churches, who worked tirelessly to "save" the Hawaiians and abolish their culture. Hula was outlawed, as was speaking the Hawaiian language.
What a shame that one culture feels it has the right to impose its beliefs on another.
Hawaii became a state of The United States in 1959, and even though they are Americans, they do still have their own culture, the same as African Americans, Irish Americans, Native Americans.......well, you get the idea.
Hawaii is now waging a battle to secede from the United States and become it's own nation, a move with which I wholeheartedly disagree. I believe in the Hawaii culture, I just think it can be done while still being American.
TOP OF PAGEHawaiian Traditions
The most well known by visitors is the Luau, the giving of leis and of course the Hula.
Luau is the name of a get together in Hawaii culture. Visitors know this function as an activity they can purchase, but for the Hawaii people, it is simply a backyard party that can be held for a birthday, anniversary or just because.
At a Luau, many times leis will be given out. This tradition is a way of showing love or respect for the receiver. Usually the leis are made by the giver.
As a visitor to the islands, most people think of leis as what they receive at the airport to be welcomed to Hawaii.
You also will receive a lei when arriving at a tourist Luau, such as Germains on Oahu, or Old Lahaina Luau on Maui.
Hula is of course the traditional Hawaiian dance. It was once outlawed by the missionaries because it was too provocative.
It is the traditional way for Hawaii culture to be passed from generation to generation as a way to tell the stories of the past. I am very pleased to see this beautiful dance being performed at more than Luaus.
The keiki of Hawaii are being taught Hula as a part of their national heritage and it is performed at cultural events.
Chanting is a Hawaii tradition that I am simply enchanted with. If you visit Haleakala while on Maui for the morning sunrise, you may be lucky enough to hear the park ranger offer a chant to the rising sun.
Hawaiian Food
Of course the Hawaii culture would have its own food, and what food! Kalua pig is the tasty treat you can find at Luaus along with many others.
Shave ice is not really a Hawaiian food, but it sure is popular in the islands! One of the most famous place to obtain a shave ice is North Shore Oahu.
The fruits that can be found in Hawaii are found in other places in the world, but there is something special about eating a cold slice of fresh pineapple grown in the Hawaiian sun.
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Hawaiian Language
A big part of the Hawaii culture is the language. It is very confusing to first time visitors, but once you figure it out, it is very easy to learn.
A lot of Hawaiian words have repeating sounds, such as the name of the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua'a. You can see that if you break it down it is easy to say, humu humu nuku nuku apu a a.
The Hawaiian language is made up of only twelve letters. The five vowels and the consonants H, K, L, M, N, P and W.
Hawaiian Time
The last aspect of Hawaii culture I want to touch on is the time. There really is no comparison between Hawaii time and mainland time.
On the mainland, fifteen minutes means, literally, fifteen minutes. On Hawaii time, it could turn out to mean this afternoon instead!
Time on the islands is laid back and not so strict. If you see a beautiful sunset, it's OK to stop and watch it. The rest of the world will still be there after the sun dips below the horizon.
So while you are on the islands, make use of Hawaii time. Stop and enjoy the beauty, not only of the islands themselves, but of the people who settled here over a thousand years ago.
Experience the Hawaii culture as part of your vacation and you will be the richer for it.
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