Ancient Hawaiians

The period prior to the unification of Hawaiian kingdom in 1810 by Kamehameha the Great is commonly referred to as the ancient Hawaiian era. The Polynesians who were long-distance sea navigators arrived on the Hawaiian Islands and settled there sometime between 300-800 AD. They reached the islands in their double-hulled canoes using the sun, stars and complex wave patterns to navigate. They also used flight paths of birds and the cloud movements to determine the location of the islands.

The DNA evidence confirms that they are genetically related to the natives of Southeast Asia. This fact is also confirmed by linguistic and archeological records. During the period 3000-1500 BC people speaking Austronesian languages settled across the Micronesia and Melanesia islands. The historic trail of the Polynesians can be ascertained to a great extent by studying the archaeological records left by them. A distinct culture called Lapita developed around 1500 BC in Melanesia. This culture then spread across the Pacific to Samoa, Tonga and the rest of the Polynesian triangle. The archeological records clearly reflect this culture and its large permanent settlements with beach terraces situated right along the seashores. They also mastered the craft of making pottery.

Whole Polynesian villages migrated to the Hawaiian Islands and brought with them their crops and pets. They used the materials found in the tropical islands to build houses and intricate temples (known as heiau) were built using lava rocks. By 850 AD, seven of the main islands in Hawaii were inhabited. A well established social system lead by religious leaders and a ruling class was in place by 1400 AD.

The Ancient Hawaiian Social System
The ancient Hawaiian culture was divided by a strict caste system. Each Hawaiian was assigned to a particular social class at birth and not allowed to move to another class, except being declared an outcast. Specific functions and responsibilities were assigned to each of the Hawaiian classes. The Hawaiian social system was stricter than other ancient Polynesians where people were allowed to move from one class to another, like a commoner becoming a cleric.

The Hawaiian Royal Class - Alii
The royal class, formed from higher and lesser rulers used the divine power, known as mana, to govern the lands. They had the exclusive privilege of wearing particular kinds of feathers and protective capes. The Alli's were considered to be the source of power during the frequent wars they waged as they plotted to extend their kingdoms throughout Hawaii. It was often necessary for commoners to prostrate themselves in their presence.

The Hawaiian Religious Class - Kahuna
This class consisted of priests who were responsible for taking care of the temples and conducting various religious ceremonies throughout the village. Like the Aliis, Kahuna's had the power to put a kapu (taboo) on things and places, restricting commoners. Excellent navigators and scientists belonged to this class. Akamia (meaning intellectual or clever) counselors were also considered as Kahunas. The high priest was known as Kahuna Nui.

The Hawaiian Commoner Class - Maka'ainana
The commoner class comprised of fisherman, farmers, craftsmen, hunters, bird catchers, weapon makers and their families. In the feudal society of Polynesians, the commoners were required to work for the kingdom to contribute in the economy. However, as the ancient economy of Hawaii started to evolve and become more complex over the years people began to master a particular skill. These specialized skills like canoe building, roof thatching and house building (tiki huts), weapon crafting, stone grinding, bird catching and making feather cloaks for Alii were passed from one generation to another. Before long, a whole island started to master a particular field. Oahu became the main manufacturer of kapa (bark cloth). Maui became famous for manufacturing canoes. Dried fish bales were traded by the ancient Hawaiians all across Polynesia.

The Hawaiian Slave Class or Outcast - Kauwa
People believed to be of low birth and considered lacking mana belonged to this class. Kauwas did not have the ability to move to another class or better their condition. The intermingling of people belonging to other castes was strictly forbidden under kapu. Prisoners captured during the wars were also considered as Kauwas. These war prisoners were forced to serve the ruling class or were sacrificed during the luakini heiau. Strangulating themor crushing their bones using club weapons was a common practice.

Kapu System
The ancient Hawaiian societies were held together tightly by the religion affecting their lifestyles, habits, work systems, social system and laws. The legal system during this period was regulated by kapu (taboos). There were correct methods for living, worshiping, holding weapons, working, eating and even making love. For instances, men and women were prohibited from eating together. There were specific seasons for fishing. The Alii's shadow should not be touched for the fear of stealing his mana. Breaking any of the taboos intentionally or unintentionally was punished by death.

Akamai
Akamai in Hawaiian means intellectual, clever or bright, plus some. Understanding the mind and how it works. The term doesn't include smart people. There is much deeper meaning of akamai than just being smart. It means is to be in contact with kahuna and kapu. "Many are smart, few are akamai" is the famous Polynesian saying.

You might also be interested in these other Hawaiian history articles:
Information about Hawaii | History of Hawaiian surfing | Colonialism in Hawaii | History of the Hawaiian Pineapple | History of Hawaiian volcanoes | Hawaiian Hula dance | Story of the Ukulele | Hawaiian fun facts

All content protected by Walton Internet Law - Copyright strictly enforced - Do not reproduce without prior written permission