Native Hawaiians

Definition

Native Hawaiians are the indigenous people of the Hawaiian Islands, descendants of the original Polynesian settlers who arrived in Hawaii over a thousand years ago. Their unique culture, language, and traditions have significantly shaped the identity of Hawaii, especially during the transitions to constitutional monarchy and modernization in the 19th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Native Hawaiian population has experienced significant demographic changes due to colonization, disease, and migration, which impacted their social structure and cultural practices.
2. In 1893, a group of American businessmen overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani, which led to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States and diminished the sovereignty of Native Hawaiians.
3. The establishment of a constitutional monarchy under King Kalākaua in 1887 marked a turning point for Native Hawaiians as they began to navigate modernization while trying to preserve their cultural identity.
4. Language revitalization efforts have been crucial for Native Hawaiians, as Hawaiian was nearly extinct by the late 20th century, but educational programs have helped revive it among younger generations.
5. The Native Hawaiian community has advocated for sovereignty and self-determination, emphasizing their rights to govern themselves and preserve their culture in the face of modern pressures.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of a constitutional monarchy influence Native Hawaiian identity during modernization?
  • The establishment of a constitutional monarchy under King Kalākaua allowed Native Hawaiians to engage in political processes while asserting their cultural identity. It marked an effort to modernize Hawaii while balancing traditional values and governance. This period saw a rise in pride for Hawaiian culture and traditions as they were increasingly recognized in formal governance, providing a platform for Native Hawaiians to advocate for their rights amidst rapid change.
• Evaluate the impact of American annexation on Native Hawaiian communities and their cultural practices.
  • The American annexation of Hawaii in 1898 had profound effects on Native Hawaiian communities, leading to the erosion of traditional practices and loss of land. Following annexation, many Native Hawaiians faced discrimination and marginalization, causing a decline in their cultural expressions. The shift towards American governance further pressured these communities to assimilate, prompting many to actively resist these changes by reclaiming their cultural heritage through movements like the Hawaiian Renaissance.
• Assess the ongoing struggles for sovereignty among Native Hawaiians in light of historical events such as the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani.
  • The overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893 is seen as a pivotal moment that set off ongoing struggles for sovereignty among Native Hawaiians. This event symbolized not only the loss of political power but also the beginning of cultural suppression that lasted throughout American annexation. In contemporary times, Native Hawaiians continue to fight for recognition and self-determination, aiming to restore their rights and reinforce their cultural identity against ongoing challenges posed by modernization and colonial legacies.

Related terms

Aloha ʻĀina: A Hawaiian phrase meaning 'love of the land,' it reflects the deep connection Native Hawaiians have with their environment and emphasizes stewardship and respect for natural resources.

Kamehameha I: The first king of a unified Hawaii, Kamehameha I established the Kingdom of Hawaii and played a crucial role in the political structure that later transitioned into a constitutional monarchy.

Hawaiian Renaissance: A cultural revival movement that began in the 1970s, aiming to restore and promote Hawaiian culture, language, and identity after years of suppression.