Exploring the Social Effects of Colonization in Hawaii Today

Jamie Hairston
5 min readApr 19, 2024

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Hawaii is often envisioned as a tropical paradise and bears a complicated and frequently troubling history beneath its picturesque scenery. Since becoming part of the United States in 1898, the shadow of colonization has woven itself into Hawaii’s social structure, influencing everything from policy-making to the day-to-day lives of its indigenous population. Reports from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs highlight that native Hawaiians face ongoing challenges, often faring worse economically and socially compared to other demographic groups — a stark reminder that the repercussions of colonization are far from over.

Understanding Today’s Hawaii

Acknowledging colonization’s ongoing impact on Hawaii is crucial for addressing its society's persistent inequalities. Issues like land use, educational achievements, and healthcare accessibility are directly linked to historical events, yet they significantly affect contemporary life.

Colonization’s enduring impact on Hawaii has set the stage for various systemic issues that continue to shape the lives of its residents, particularly in areas like land use, education, and healthcare. Each of these areas is intricately connected to historical events…

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Jamie Hairston

Jamie is a former addiction counselor who now writes fiction about substance abuse and mental health issues.