Hawaiian Culture: Preservation and Changes After U.S. Takeover
Quick Note from the author: I chose to write about this issue due to the recent fires in Lahaina, and I have found that doing research for the issues that have been rough to light from that tragedy led me through so much information I felt it was easiest to start at the beginning, with Hawaii’s history. I have worked diligently to try and provide an accurate and thorough picture of all the information I am sharing. However, if any information is incorrect, don’t hesitate to contact me via email at jamie@flawedbydesignllc.com so I can make any needed corrections.
Introduction
Brief Backdrop of Hawaiian Culture Before the U.S. Takeover
Before the United States set foot on Hawaiian soil, the islands were a tapestry of unique customs, traditions, and social structures. Hawaii was deeply rooted in its ancestral ways, from the complex spiritual practices governed by the Kapu system to the rich array of arts like hula and lauhala weaving.
Importance of Examining Both Preservation and Change
As Hawaii transformed under U.S. governance, so did its cultural fabric. While some traditions have been preserved, others have undergone significant changes or have been replaced altogether. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of modern Hawaii necessitates an examination of both what has been preserved and what has changed. This provides a fuller picture of Hawaii today and offers crucial context for cultural preservation and restoration discussions.
The Roots of Hawaiian Culture
Overview of Traditional Hawaiian Beliefs, Customs, and Practices
Hawaiian culture is a rich amalgamation of beliefs, traditions, and rituals passed down through generations. Central to this are concepts like ‘ohana (family) and the principle of Aloha, which encompasses love, peace, and compassion. Alongside these are various art forms such as Hula and mele, dances, and chants used to tell stories and preserve history.
Significance of Land, Sea, and Spirituality in Hawaiian Culture
The natural world holds deep significance in Hawaiian culture. The land (‘aina) is not merely property but a living entity to be cared for and respected. The ‘ahupua’a system was a remarkable land division approach demonstrating the Hawaiians’ sustainable resource management skills. Similarly, the sea (kai) is viewed as both a sustenance provider and a spiritual realm, emphasized by the islanders’ close relationship with fishing and navigation.
Spirituality is another cornerstone, manifesting through a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses like Kū, Lono, and Kanaloa. The Kapu system, a set of religious and social laws, underscored the islanders’ commitment to maintaining spiritual and societal harmony.
The U.S. Takeover
Events Leading Up to the Annexation
The relationship between the United States and Hawaii was initially one of trade and economic interests, chiefly centered around sugar production. The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 provided tax-free access for sugar from Hawaii to U.S. markets, significantly boosting American plantations on the islands. This economic dependency became a prelude to a political takeover, exacerbated by the overthrow of Queen Lili’uokalani in 1893 by a group of American businessmen and local elites. Official annexation was completed on August 12, 1898, when Hawaii was formally transferred to the United States.
Initial Impact on Native Traditions and Lifestyles
The annexation had immediate and profound effects on the cultural fabric of Hawaii. A policy of Americanization began to take shape, which sought to assimilate native Hawaiians into Western ways. English became the language of instruction in schools, and traditional Hawaiian practices, including the Hawaiian language and certain religious rituals, were discouraged or outlawed. This also led to a land redistribution system that disproportionately favored American settlers and businesses at the expense of native Hawaiians, transforming not just the culture but also the economic landscape of the islands.
Political Influence on Culture
Policies Directly Affecting Cultural Preservation or Change
The transition from a sovereign nation to a U.S. territory affected Hawaiian culture, often due to calculated political decisions. For instance, schools' Banning of the Hawaiian Language severely affected cultural preservation, effectively making English the language of governance and education. Additionally, laws were enacted to phase out communal land systems, eroding the native Hawaiians’ traditional relationship with their land.
The Role of Governance in the Erosion or Support of Native Culture
The political leadership and governance structures introduced by the United States undeniably influenced Hawaiian culture’s erosion. However, there have also been efforts to mitigate this damage. With the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act in 1921 and the subsequent Statehood Act, certain lands were set aside for native Hawaiians, albeit with many restrictions and stipulations. Additionally, governance has slowly started acknowledging the value of preserving native Hawaiian culture, with initiatives such as the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance, which has led to the revival of traditional practices like Hula and the Hawaiian language.
Economic Impacts
Introduction of New Industries and Its Effects on Traditional Ways of Life
The annexation of Hawaii by the United States didn’t just alter political landscapes; it revamped the economic fabric of the islands. Sugar and pineapple plantations became key sectors, eventually leading to the importation of labor from other countries. This influx of labor and the shift in economic focus led to a devastation of traditional Hawaiian subsistence farming, thus altering the native Hawaiians’ relationship with the land they had nurtured for generations.
Tourism and Commodification of Hawaiian Culture
Today, tourism is a double-edged sword for Hawaii. On the one hand, it brings in much-needed revenue. On the other, it leads to the commodification of Hawaiian culture. Traditional dances, languages, and customs are often distilled into “experiences” that can be sold to visitors. In the process, the depth and sanctity of these cultural practices can be undermined. Luau parties and staged Hula dances sometimes propagate misconceptions, further disconnecting the culture from its roots.
Cultural Renaissance and Preservation Efforts
The Resurgence of Native Hawaiian Arts, Language, and Traditions
Starting in the late 20th century, Hawaii has experienced a cultural renaissance. Driven by a collective desire to reclaim the roots buried under decades of colonization and Western influence, Hawaiians are reviving traditional arts, language, and customs. From the resurgence of Hula and slack-key guitar to schools conducting classes in the Hawaiian language, efforts are being made to ensure that the culture not only survives but thrives.
Institutions and Organizations Aimed at Cultural Preservation
Several organizations and educational institutions have been pivotal in this cultural renaissance. Groups like the Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs offer various cultural education and preservation programs. Schools like the Kamehameha Schools have incorporated the teaching of native culture and language into their curriculum, providing a generation of Hawaiians with an education rooted in their history and tradition.
The Fusion of Cultures
How Mainland U.S. Culture Melded With or Supplanted Native Culture
The influence of mainland U.S. culture on Hawaii is pervasive and multifaceted. From fast food to fashion, elements of American culture have made their way into the islands, often co-existing with native customs. However, this melding has also led to the dilution or erasure of certain native practices. While Christmas is widely celebrated, traditional Hawaiian festivals like Makahiki may receive different attention. The spread of the English language has also impacted the use and prominence of the Hawaiian language. However, there are efforts to revitalize it.
Positive and Negative Outcomes of This Fusion
The fusion of cultures is a complex phenomenon with positive and negative outcomes. On the one hand, integrating American systems has led to advancements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. On the other hand, the cultural amalgamation has raised issues of identity and authenticity for native Hawaiians. The commodification of culture for tourism remains a significant concern, as it can lead to stereotyping and misconceptions.
Contemporary Challenges
Ongoing Challenges in Preserving Native Hawaiian Culture
Despite active efforts to preserve native Hawaiian culture, numerous challenges continue to hamper these initiatives. Governmental policies, such as the limited recognition of the Hawaiian language and the controversial use of sacred lands, pose barriers to cultural preservation. Additionally, the educational system often emphasizes Western history and perspectives, leading to a lack of understanding and appreciation for native Hawaiian history and culture among newer generations.
Issues like Representation, Commercialization, and Authenticity
One of the most significant challenges is the issue of representation. What gets represented as “Hawaiian culture” in mainstream media and tourism is often a watered-down or exoticized version, contributing to misunderstanding and stereotyping.
Commercialization is another pressing issue. While the tourist industry may market traditional Hawaiian activities or symbols, this often leads to a commodification that can distort or oversimplify cultural elements.
Lastly, the issue of authenticity looms large. As various aspects of native Hawaiian culture become co-opted or influenced by external factors, questions arise about what constitutes “authentic” cultural expression and how to preserve it. Many native Hawaiians actively engage in cultural and language preservation programs, but the challenges are multifaceted and ongoing.
Conclusion
How Hawaiian Culture Has Both Changed and Been Preserved
Like the islands, Hawaiian culture has been a landscape of change and enduring beauty. While annexation by the United States and subsequent statehood have unquestionably impacted native Hawaiian culture, not all has been lost or distorted. Through initiatives in language preservation, educational programs, and community-led efforts, native Hawaiians are reclaiming and revitalizing their unique heritage. Yet, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges that come with representation, commercialization, and the ongoing struggle for authenticity.
Importance of Ongoing Efforts for Cultural Preservation
The effort to preserve native Hawaiian culture is not merely a matter of nostalgia or heritage; it is a critical component for a culturally and ecologically sustainable future. Cultural preservation efforts are fundamental not only to native Hawaiians but to everyone who calls these islands home or feels the pull of their natural beauty and deep-rooted traditions. Organizations like the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and educational initiatives like ‘Aha Pūnana Leo are vital in this quest, but they cannot act alone. Understanding the value of cultural preservation requires collective acknowledgment and action, emphasizing that preserving one of the world’s unique cultures enriches us all.
*Sources can be found below
About the Author
Jamie Hairston, M.S. (Christian Counseling of Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders)
Jamie is a former addiction counselor who now writes fiction about substance abuse and mental health issues. She has authored two short novels in her Memoirs of a Black Sheep series and a series she co-authors, The Borderline Chronicles, on Amazon Kindle Vella. Jamie has also formed her own small publishing company, Flawed By Design Publishing LLC, where she produces her published works and offers other writing and media services.
Flawed by Design is a woman-owned, veteran-owned business for those who seek a writing coach, editor, or proofreader.
Sources:
- Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance. National Park Service.
- The Hawaiian Language: Past, Present, and Future. ‘Aha Pūnana Leo.
- The Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation.
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
- Kirch, P. V. (1982). The Evolution of the Polynesian Chiefdoms. Cambridge University Press.
- Kuykendall, R. S. (1967). The Hawaiian Kingdom. University of Hawaii Press.
- Merry, S. E. (2000). Colonizing Hawai’i: The Cultural Power of Law. Princeton University Press.