Hawaiian society was initiated when early Polynesian settlers arrived on the "Big Island" around the 4 th - 9 th century AD. The unique culture depended largely on a combination of agriculture, forestry and fishing for sustenance. It was highly stratified with chiefs and religious leaders at the apex and subservient lower classes at the depths of the social order. Impressive temples were built from lava rocks, found throughout the islands, to honor the great deities present in the mythological traditions of the people. For almost two millennia, the exotic society remained secluded from other civilizations until the European explorer Captain James Cook discovered it in 1778.

The Hawaiian culture went through a radical transformation after the natives encountered the first Europeans and missionaries. Soon many of their old traditions faded and new ones based on Christianity were acquired voluntarily and by force in some instances. While the present culture differs considerably from that of the past, some of its striking features can easily be attributed to its extraordinary history.

Pioneers in a New World
The first Polynesian settlers were avid lovers of the sea, their thirst for adventure is what brought them to the unclaimed islands, which would later be called Hawaii. The earliest colonists took with them a large collection of clothing, crops and animals to furnish their new land. Coconut (niu), banana (mai'a), breadfuit (ulu), dog (ilio), pork (pua'a) and chicken (moa) were grown and raised on the island that shared a similar climate and geography to their own for each to flourish. While fruits and vegetables made up a large chunk of their diet, land animals were occasionally eaten although seafood was much preferred.

The population during this period numbered in the hundreds of thousands and even as much as one million on the "Big Island". Settlements started on the coastal region and then moved towards the interior sections as the population expanded. The people enjoyed their simplistic lifestyle and their traditions were celebrated and revered among all natives.

Each town within Hawaii contained specially created structures that were assigned a specific purpose. They were individually constructed with their own unique style of architecture and held great significance within the ancient culture. The differentiation was essential to a society where social divisions were deeply engrained.

The Heiau was constructed in a location that was high enough to overlook the town. It was decorated with idols made from either stone or wood and was dedicated to the gods. Only the Kahuna (priest) and Alii (king) were allowed to enter the great temple.

The Hale alii was the great structure built specifically for the chief. Like the Heiau it was built on land that was raised to display the prominence of the official who resided within its walls. Strands of feathers were placed all around it to denote its importance. Women and children could not enter this particular domain as dictated by the central traditions.

There were also specially created buildings used for the storage of a variety of items including the hale pahu for instruments, the hale papaa which contained all the royal treasures including fabrics, weapons and other valuables and the halewaa which was used to protect canoes that were not in commission.

The typical Hawaiian home for the majority of its citizens was deemed the hale noho where families resided. It was a humble structure that was built on level land without all the adornments reserved for royalty.

A system of stratification
Like many other ancient societies, Hawaii had an elaborate social structure or caste system which rarely encouraged the movement of individuals into higher classes. The natives respected their role in society, which led to greater reverence for those who held the highest positions.

The royal class, which included all the chiefs of different ranks was known as the Alii. The Kahunas were typically the priests although this could include skilled boat-builders, healers, dancers and master carpenters. The Makaainana were the common people who carried out most of the work including fishing and farming. The lowest class was the Kaua which was comprised of prisoners of war or descendants or those caught during wars. The higher classes associated with this class only when they were performing their expected duties as slaves/servants. Persons within the Kaua class were often used as sacrifices during official religious ceremonies.

The significance of Spirituality and Religion
Perhaps the most important aspect of Hawaiian society was religion. The doctrines that were created and passed down for generations were preserved and applied in daily life. The fundamental principles behind their laws, modes of work and social stratification was entirely connected to their diverse beliefs. Certain taboos, or kapu, were taken seriously which led to a culture that developed practices in keeping with a set of expectations. These taboos justified the separation of men and women during daily meals, the restriction of fishing at certain times of year and the consumption of foods like coconut and bananas by common women. If these taboos were broken then the guilty party would be put to death accordingly.

The Alii was in charge of delivering the sentencing for each crime and he was unquestioned because of his believed link to the divine powers. He was considered an ancestor of one or more gods or he was thought to be chosen by the deities who favored him through his bloodline. The punishment often involved sacrificial deaths during religious ceremonies, drownings, burnings or the use of the corrupted individual's body as shark bait. The most viscous forms of punishment were reserved for breaking the most serious taboos.

They worshipped a number of deities, some of whom were celebrated at specific times of year. More famous gods included Ku (God of war), Kane (God of Light and life), Lono (God of peace) and Kanaloa (God of the sea).

Hawaiian Society, though filled with strange customs by European standards displayed a level of order that helped unify the natives. By the late 18 th century much of the population had died off with the introduction of European diseases and many of the old traditions were forsaken for new ones. Despite this, some of the more influential aspects of their society including the healing practices, boat-building methods and art forms are still popular today.

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