In Hawaiian culture, there are many interesting aspects to learn about. For example, there is hula, the language, the chant, the history, royalty, games, and much more. This culture is very intriguing, and in this research paper, we will dive deeper into Hawaiian culture and the importance of each part of it.
The first thing I will talk about are the important people who shaped Hawaiian culture into what it is today. One person who was very significant to Hawai’i is Kamehameha the 1st. His full name is Paiea Kalaninui Kamehameha. The exact date of King Kamehameha’s birth is unknown. However, historical records say he was born in the Kohala in 1758. He united all the islands into one kingdom. His birth symbolized the potential for leadership…show more content… This started in the very late 18th century and extended into the early 19th century. One of the important fights was the Battle of Kuamo'o. However, this ended in a situation where nobody had won, or gotten an advantage. Also known as a stalemate. It was military pressure, internal conflicts, and negotiation, which led to Kaua’i’s submission.
This completed Kamehameha’s dream of a united kingdom and made his legacy as the most significant figure in Hawaiian history. You may be wondering why Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe aren’t on this list. They are indeed part of the Hawaiian islands, but weren’t initially part of Kamehameha’s conquest for multiple reasons. Such as Ni’ihau, which was traditionally under control through a lease agreement. Kaho’olawe has a lack of resources and rough terrain. It also wasn’t as strategically important as the other islands. Lastly, it was used as a training ground for warriors. So, these islands are not on the list.
Now, I will talk about the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. This happened on January 17, 1893. This was led by a group of European and American businessmen, and supported by the government of the United States. There were many reasons they wanted to overthrow the kingdom. They wanted economic interest. They wanted control over the sugar plantations and land/water…show more content… There was sacred ground that is now covered in other buildings. The land used to have lots of cultural purposes. But now, it is being stripped away and hidden behind modern architecture. The environment is also getting significantly harmed. How would all of the Hawaiian Kings, Queens, Chiefs, Warriors, and all the Hawaiian people, feel? All of that work they did is gone. It’s a lasting problem that might never go away.
Now, I will talk about some interesting parts of Hawaiian culture that are still alive today. The culture was being suppressed, fortunately, it is not completely gone. For example, hula. Hula is a traditional dance in this culture. It not only includes dance but also chant/song. It is very deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Hula is not only for entertainment, it is also a language; a way of storytelling. It preserves a cultural heritage. It is a way of honoring the Hawaiian Gods, nature, and ancestors.
There are two types of hulas. Hula Kahiko, and Hula Auana. Kahiko is a traditional and ancient hula. Auana is a modern hula. Hula Kahiko is usually accompanied by oli (chanting), or traditional instruments such as the pahu drum and the ipu. Not only is hula about the movements, but it is also about the hand gestures, facial expressions, and body postures. The clothes worn while dancing are also important and can hold cultural
