Table of Diversity Element: Native Hawaiian
The Table of Diversity Element Native Hawaiian (Nh) is in the first column, Race, on the Table of Diversity.
While Native Hawaiians are typically categorized under the umbrella term 'Asian American', the term Native Hawaiian refers to people whose ancestors were native to any of the Hawaiian islands prior to 1778. Check out the resources to learn more about this important distinction!
Articles to Read
Check out these articles to learn more!
01
The History of Native Hawaiians -The Collector
"Today, Hawaii is the only true island state in the United States. Its distant location in the Pacific Ocean often makes it a relative mystery to other Americans. Just as Native Americans populated the continental United States prior to European settlement and American expansion through the 1800s, Native Hawaiians also had a rich, vibrant culture and history in their own land. This is a look at the history of Native Hawaiians and how they became incorporated into the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. From the Spanish-American War and subsequent annexation into the US, here is a look at the native culture and history of this chain of active volcanic islands.
Settlement of Hawaii
Due to its remoteness, the South Pacific was the last region of the globe to be settled by humans. Traveling the oceans was accomplished with the use of double-hulled canoes by ancient Polynesians. Pacific islanders were very advanced in sailing techniques and navigation long before Europeans were ready for cross-Atlantic voyages. The first Polynesian settlers to Hawaii may have arrived as early as 400!
The first settlers on the Hawaiian islands are believed to have come from the Marquesas Islands. They brought pigs and chickens, which had Asian origins. By the 1300s, many settlements had spread to the sheltered coastal parts of the islands, such as lush valleys. Between the 1300s and 1500s, settlers began moving inland."
02
The Hawaiian Islands
"Hawaiian Customs and Traditions
Native Hawaiians navigated to the Hawaiian Islands, where they lived and flourished for centuries, carrying on the cultural traditions they brought with them and innovating new ones. With the influx of a diverse group of people to the islands, including the missionaries who converted many Hawaiians to Christianity and immigrant laborers who worked the sugar cane plantations, some Native Hawaiian traditions were widely adopted and evolved in the same pattern of assimilation, adaptation and innovation that affected the culture of newcomers, creating a shared culture of diverse influences commonly referred to simply as 'local.' However, many Native Hawaiian customs have been protected and perpetuated and are still practiced today.
Native Hawaiian Traditions
1. The honi ihu, or the touching of noses, is a traditional method of greeting one another, whether it's a man and woman, two men or two women. It allows both people to exchange breath, which is the supremely important life force in Hawaiian understanding, and also share scents and convey a closeness in relationship.
2. Made out of flowers, bird feathers, shells, seeds or hair, the lei (garland or wreath) has become a symbol of Hawai'i. Worn on the top of the head or around the neck, lei were used ornamentally by Native Hawaiians, especially chiefs, to signify their rank. Giving a lei was a traditional practice, but not like the ceremonious welcome practice that has become the local custom today. The manner of presenting was also different: it was tied around the neck, rather than casting the lei over the head, respecting the sacredness of a person's head and back.
3. Hula is a complex artform performed for religious purposes, entertainment and to preserve historical events, genealogy and mythology through movements accompanied by chants. It is a sacred, serious pursuit, involving rigorous training and technical skill, and academic knowledge taught by respected kumu (teachers) who carry on and advance wisdom from a long lineage of masters. Unlike a lot of hula performed today, hula wasn't meant to be a spectacle, and was often performed privately.
The History of Native Hawaiians -The Collector
"Today, Hawaii is the only true island state in the United States. Its distant location in the Pacific Ocean often makes it a relative mystery to other Americans. Just as Native Americans populated the continental United States prior to European settlement and American expansion through the 1800s, Native Hawaiians also had a rich, vibrant culture and history in their own land. This is a look at the history of Native Hawaiians and how they became incorporated into the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. From the Spanish-American War and subsequent annexation into the US, here is a look at the native culture and history of this chain of active volcanic islands.
Settlement of Hawaii
Due to its remoteness, the South Pacific was the last region of the globe to be settled by humans. Traveling the oceans was accomplished with the use of double-hulled canoes by ancient Polynesians. Pacific islanders were very advanced in sailing techniques and navigation long before Europeans were ready for cross-Atlantic voyages. The first Polynesian settlers to Hawaii may have arrived as early as 400!
The first settlers on the Hawaiian islands are believed to have come from the Marquesas Islands. They brought pigs and chickens, which had Asian origins. By the 1300s, many settlements had spread to the sheltered coastal parts of the islands, such as lush valleys. Between the 1300s and 1500s, settlers began moving inland."
The Hawaiian Islands
"Hawaiian Customs and Traditions
Native Hawaiians navigated to the Hawaiian Islands, where they lived and flourished for centuries, carrying on the cultural traditions they brought with them and innovating new ones. With the influx of a diverse group of people to the islands, including the missionaries who converted many Hawaiians to Christianity and immigrant laborers who worked the sugar cane plantations, some Native Hawaiian traditions were widely adopted and evolved in the same pattern of assimilation, adaptation and innovation that affected the culture of newcomers, creating a shared culture of diverse influences commonly referred to simply as 'local.' However, many Native Hawaiian customs have been protected and perpetuated and are still practiced today.
Native Hawaiian Traditions
1. The honi ihu, or the touching of noses, is a traditional method of greeting one another, whether it's a man and woman, two men or two women. It allows both people to exchange breath, which is the supremely important life force in Hawaiian understanding, and also share scents and convey a closeness in relationship.
2. Made out of flowers, bird feathers, shells, seeds or hair, the lei (garland or wreath) has become a symbol of Hawai'i. Worn on the top of the head or around the neck, lei were used ornamentally by Native Hawaiians, especially chiefs, to signify their rank. Giving a lei was a traditional practice, but not like the ceremonious welcome practice that has become the local custom today. The manner of presenting was also different: it was tied around the neck, rather than casting the lei over the head, respecting the sacredness of a person's head and back.
3. Hula is a complex artform performed for religious purposes, entertainment and to preserve historical events, genealogy and mythology through movements accompanied by chants. It is a sacred, serious pursuit, involving rigorous training and technical skill, and academic knowledge taught by respected kumu (teachers) who carry on and advance wisdom from a long lineage of masters. Unlike a lot of hula performed today, hula wasn't meant to be a spectacle, and was often performed privately.