Hawaii

4/1/24

Overview

First settled by Polynesian sailors 1000 years ago, the Hawaiian Islands developed a unique culture that flourished in relative isolation for centuries. British explorer James Cook’s landing in 1778 put the Islands on a path to colonization and eventual incorporation in to the Unites States when Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959. Hawaii has most recently been in the news with erupting volcanoes and devastating wildfires. Join Active Minds as we explore the history and culture of the United States’ Pacific paradise.

Key Lecture Points

  • Hawaii is a chain of volcanic islands lying some 2,400 from mainland United States.  Hawaii is larger in land mass than seven other states and is 40th in population. Its warm and moist climate make it a popular tourist destination for United States residents, as well as those from other countries, particularly Asia.
  • The original inhabitants were Polynesians who migrated from other Pacific islands around 1200CE.  They were greeted by unique flora and fauna that evolved on the islands in complete isolation until the coming of humans.
  • The islands were first encountered by outsiders with English Captain James Cook in 1778.  Thereafter, Hawaii was increasingly visited by Europeans and Americans, as way stations for whaling and other ships; then, missionaries and business people who established sugar and pineapple plantations and other commerce. In the course of the nineteenth century, these wealthy business interests pressured the Hawaiian monarchs for more political influence.
  • Through most of the 19th Century recognized the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Hawaii. But in 1893, American business interests (with US military support) led a coup toppling the monarch. After debate within both Hawaii and Washington, the US eventually annexed Hawaii in 1898, spurred on by the economic opportunities advocates sought, as well as the strategic location in the Pacific for American global interests.
  • Given its location, Pearl Harbor was the site of the US Pacific fleet when it was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941. In the post-World War II era, Hawaii experienced considerable development and grew into a tourist mecca, leading to its statehood in 1959.
  • Due to its location and history, Hawaii’s population is very diverse, with significant numbers with Asian ancestry, particularly Filipino and Japanese; white; and Native Hawaiian.  This mix has shaped the culture of the islands.
  • Tourism is the major economic driver, approaching 10 million visitors annually.  Along with the revenue generated, tourism and the legacy of American occupation continue to cause or exacerbate environmental and societal issues.
  • Its relative isolation = contribute to a relative high cost of living.  Native Hawaiian activists have promoted Hawaiian language and culture, but also hope to receive some compensation for land that was taken from the native population for plantations and other development.
  • Hawaii was thrust into the headlines in August 2023, when a massive wildfire killed 100 residents and destroyed over 2,200 structures in the historic Maui town of Lahaina.

Discussion Questions

  • In what ways did the nineteenth century Hawaiian monarchy resemble or diverge from other Polynesian cultures?
  • What values should be applied to the question of the proper balance between development and native sovereignty?
  • What might be considered as compensation for the taking of Native Hawaiian land and undermining of its culture?

More to Explore

Books for Further Reading

  • Siler, Julia.  Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and America's First Imperial Adventure.  Atlantic Monthly Press, 2012.  449 pages.  The author captures the various forces surrounding Hawaii’s nineteenth century transformation from a native monarchy to capture by various American interests.
  • McDermott, John F. and Naleen Naupaka Andrade.  People and Cultures of Hawaii: The Evolution of Culture and Ethnicity. University of Hawaii Press, 2011.  378 pages. An in-depth analysis of the various cultural groups of Hawaii and how they have evolved over time in the Hawaii cultural setting.
  • Beckwith, Martha Warren.  Hawaiian Mythology.  University of Hawaii Press, 1982.  608 pages.  978-0824805142.  A classic work of folklore and ethnology, and the definitive treatment of Hawaiian mythology.