A history of resilience to preserve and save their own culture, land, and people from Colonization that lives on to the present day. Policies to restore Hawaiian traditions that were banned in the early 19th century implemented by many monarchs that came after especially toward the end of the 19th century and until the last Monarch of Hawai‘i, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Since the forced annexation of Hawai‘i to the United States, there have been endless efforts to restore traditions and sovereignty for the Hawaiian people over their own land and culture.
Oral Tradition and Storytelling
Before there was writing, storytelling was how people pass down information, tradition, and knowledge to the younger generation. Hawaiian storytelling stands out as it is not limited to words alone, it encompasses mele (song), oli (chant), and hula (dance).
Mele (song) and oli (chant) are musical forms that are integral to storytelling. Mele comes in different types, some with instruments, and some without; their chants are used to convey narratives as well as to honor people and places. Hula is more than just a dance, it is a powerful form of storytelling that gives history, genealogy, and ancestral knowledge a more vivid understanding.
In the Hawaiian language, Mo‘olelo means story. The word is made up of two parts, mo’o meaning succession and ʻōlelo meaning language or the spoken word. ʻŌlelo is central to Hawaiian storytelling, with an emphasis on accurate transmission of narratives. Thus, story is the “succession of language”, as stories in Hawaiian culture encompasses history, legend, and tradition, highlighting the role of storytelling in preserving the past.
Storytelling in Hawai‘i culture branches out to include daily events, this refers to “talk story” in which informal conversations about stories, opinions, and history are shared, fostering connection and community.
If there are words for stories and for different forms of storytelling, the Hawaiian language also has a word for receiving knowledge and information. “Apo” refers to the ability to receive, memorize, and recite spoken words, emphasizing the importance of accurate transmission in the Hawaiian oral tradition.
The role of storytelling has been a major way for Hawai‘i people to preserve and pass on their culture to the next generation. Traditionally, storytellers were highly respected members of society; especially those knowledgeable in history and genealogy. Stories in Hawai‘i culture have always been beyond entertainment, they teach the younger generation about behavior, values, and traditions.
Cultural Practices
Similar to storytelling, Hawaiian culture has many practices that come in different forms, each of them strengthening the spiritual connection between natives to their land, and community.
Traditional arts such as hula and mele are cultural practices that embrace the connection of Hawaiian people to their roots through storytelling. While hula performances and mele, chants that sometimes go with the performances, were rituals, today hula are practiced as a form of art that bring Hawaiians together.
Traditional sports and games that train physical and mental strength: Makahiki games were a central part of the ancient Hawaiian Makahiki season, a time of harvest, peace, and celebration. These games, which included sports of strength, skill, and strategy, were not just for entertainment but also served as training and preparation for warriors and as a way to honor the god Lono, the god of agriculture, fertility, and peace.
Beyond activities, Hawaiians embrace the concept of ‘ohana to foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. ‘Ohana is the idea of family to the wider community, on the surface level, this is achieved with respectful greetings and learning from elders (kupuna).
Respecting Nature and Natural Resources
The deep connection with their land and traditional practices to preserve this connection is another way of Hawai‘i’ people’s resilience against colonization.
Traditional practices that tighten the connection of the Hawaiian people to their land such as loʻi kalo (taro farming), fishing, and canoe building. These traditions are often done communally to teach mālama ʻāina (stewardship of the land) and the physical strength of unity.
In Hawaiian cosmology, rocks (pōhaku) and sand (ʻone) are considered sacred and are not meant to be removed by humans; especially not to be kept for souvenirs. Because the land is considered a living ancestor, born from the gods Wākea (Sky Father) and Papahānaumoku (Earth Mother), rocks and sand are seen as part of the family of creation.
Rather than sacrificing everything for wealth, historically, Hawai‘i people followed a strict code of conduct that promoted respect, balance, and sustainability in their relationship with nature. The Kapu system, even though is no longer a law, the concept remains widely respected.
Education and Language Revitalization
Even though their language was once banned to be spoken by natives in public and at home, in the past 50 years, there has been tremendous effort from Hawaiian people to revitalize and educate their language, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, to younger generations. Through a variety of strategies, older generations of Hawaiian have been able to help the next generation recognize the deep connection of language to cultural identity and heritage.
Promoting Language Use in the Home and Community:
One of the most vital ways to revitalize ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is to encourage every household to use the language at home, and with other people in the community. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to speak Hawaiian at home and pass it down to their children and grandchildren. People within the community established programs to provide classes for children and adults to learn ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, creating a supportive environment for learning and using their native language outside of schools and the workplace. Especially with immersion schools, which are conducted in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, allowing children to learn the language naturally and comprehensively.
Besides classes and programs, Hawaiian language festivals and cultural workshops are organized to provide opportunities for Hawaiians to practice speaking ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in person and with real life topics.
Adapting and Innovating
Historically, hula and lū‘au are only performed for spiritual purposes. Today, to preserve their tradition, hula is a form of art that is spread to other parts of the world and it is practiced by people around the globe. Especially in Japan, hula is widely practiced and respected.
FAQ
How do Hawaiians help protect and promote the learning of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi through legal support and policies?
In 1978, The Hawaiian language, also known as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, was recognized as an official language of the state of Hawai‘i after being banned in schools in 1893. This was a result of amendments made to the state’s constitution during the 1978 State Constitutional Convention. Since then, Hawaiian people and the state government have put many efforts into establishing language schools, programs and even incorporating ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in official documents. With the rise of technology, Hawaiian language is being used increasingly in radio, television, apps, and websites, making the language more accessible and visible to younger generations.
What is the concept of ‘Ohana in Hawaiian culture?
In Hawaiian culture, ʻohana is more than just the word for “family.” Ohana is a deeply rooted concept that shapes the way people relate to one another, to their land (ʻāina), and to their heritage. ʻOhana (pronounced oh-HAH-nah) comes from the word ʻohā, meaning the shoot of a taro plant (kalo). In Hawaiian belief, humans are genealogically tied to kalo, which is seen as an elder sibling. Just as the shoots grow and support each other, so do families. Therefore, ʻohana is the symbol of the interconnection among people, growth, and responsibility.
How did Hawaiian people revitalize their culture after it was almost erased?
After decades of cultural suppression, the Hawaiian people revitalized their culture by reclaiming their traditions and securing legal support to protect them. Language revitalization, reclaiming and promoting traditional practices, and land stewardship are some of the many ways for Hawaiians to reconnect with their heritage. Countless efforts have been made through laws and policies to protect the use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and many more traditions that were banned in the 19th to the first half of the 20th century.
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