More than 1600 years ago, Polynesians, who were brilliant and fearless sailors, reached the islands of Hawaii from the Marquesas Islands by sailing over 2,400 miles on open seas in their double-hulled canoes. They soon made Hawaii their new home and became its rulers about 800 years ago. After ruling Hawaii for some centuries, the voyages between their original islands and the newly occupied ones completely ceased. This isolation of Polynesians on Hawaii for about 400 years resulted in the development of a distinct Hawaiian culture.
A new society that followed a strict caste system evolved in Hawaii. The ali`i (chiefs or leaders) were the uppermost caste which ruled the land. The kahuna were the religious heads or people with special skills such as making canoes and healing others. The commoners belonged to maka`ainana and were proficient at doing daily tasks like building houses, farming and fishing. Kauwa, the lowest of all the classes, was comprised of slaves or outcasts.
Kanwai, the system of rules and regulation was created to maintain social order. Under the kapu (forbidden), certain people, several places, different things and even times were considered sacred. Women ate their meals separately from men and were not allowed to eat certain foods such as bananas and coconuts. Many activities like planting crops and fishing were regulated by kapu, and disobedience was often punished by death.
The natives worshiped the gods, akua, and protecting spirits, `aumakua. They recorded and passed down their history using oli (chants), mele (songs) and hula (dances). There were also many legends with several tales chronicled in Hawaiian culture and mythology.
Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes is believed to reside in the Halemaumau Crater of Kilauea even today. The tales about how she ended up here are plenty. According to different legends, she was forced to leave her birthplace, Tahiti, by her father, or she wanted to travel, or was chased away by her sister, the goddess of oceans. After traveling to many islands of Hawaii, she landed and settled on the Big Island. The legend says taking volcano rocks brings bad luck because of the curse she has put on them.
The legends of Menehune, the magical race of little people, are quite popular throughout Hawaii. These people lived on Kauai and had the ability of completing gigantic tasks such as building temples and fishponds in few hours during the night.
The stories about the spirits of their rulers, called the Night Marchers, who roam freely at certain places on particular nights, beating drums, reciting chants and carrying torches, are also very famous in Hawaii. The legends say that if you ever see them marching, you should lie low, avoid eye contact and act dead, or else the ghost warriors will capture your soul.
Maui (the demigod), Laka (the hula goddess), Nana'ue (the shark man) and Kane (the father of all living creatures) are some other famous Hawaiian legends. The stories about the legends are still narrated and demonstrated through various chants and hula, and are an integral part of the rich Hawaiian culture. To get more in-depth knowledge about Hawaiian History, Culture and Legends, please read our extensive collection of thoroughly researched articles:
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Hawaiian Islands
Although it is widely recognized that the arrival of European settlers and missionaries greatly changed the face of the Hawaiian Islands, the settlement of the Islands by the Polynesians was not without significant impact on the indigenous flora and fauna. Discover the evolution of this island chain from uninhabited refuge for wildlife to home of a great Polynesian culture to a tropical destination still known for its lush vegetation. |
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Birth of Hawaiian Society
Hawaiian society was forged from the traditions carried with the Polynesians who originally settled the Hawaiian Islands. They used their knowledge to make a living from the abundance of sea and plant life that surrounded them. They grew to be an abundant society that was defined by a strict caste system. Religion provided structure to their daily lives. |
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Ancient Hawaiians
When one mentions the caste system most people think of India, but did you know the ancients Hawaiians also observed a strict caste system? This system was in use by 1400 although Polynesians settled there many centuries earlier. Learn about the cultural heritage from Micronesia and Melanesia and how it developed into the distinctive Hawaiian culture. |
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History of Ancient Polynesian Tattoo
Tattoos are very popular today among all types of people. However in ancient times Polynesian peoples used them as a way to convey information about their origins and well as the rank they had risen to. Anyone could get a tattoo, but not just anyone could create one. The tattoo artist was a master who underwent spiritual preparation before applying a tattoo. The practice was similar among the Polynesian islands but each locale had its own motifs and style. It remains popular today as a way for natives to reconnect with their Polynesian cultural history. |
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Hawaiian Religion
Hawaiian religion was developed and based on the beliefs brought by the Polynesian settlers but evolved into a unique set of practices over the years. One prominent aspect of this religion was the Kapu, or taboo system. This was eventually abolished but just a few decades later the entire polytheistic system was forcefully replaced by Christianity. The Hawaiian religion survived thanks to those who continued to practice in secret and can be evidenced today in ancient chants and the sacred Hula dance. |
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Ancient Hawaiian Temples
Ancient Hawaiian temples, known as Heiau, were an integral part of Hawaiian society and culture. A variety of constructions served a variety of purposes. The Heiau that survive down to this day are those made of stone that served to worship major gods, many of which were reserved for use by high priests and kings. Though some are off limits, some are open to the public. |
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Polynesian Mythology
Polynesian mythology was based largely on oral tradition and as such its preservation was endangered when missionaries arrived in the various Polynesian islands and imposed their system of belief. Fortunately, a few clung to their traditions, so all was not lost. Although the details may have varied in different locales, the central figures and themes remained the same throughout. |
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Polynesian Tiki
Tiki statues come in all sizes and can serve to protect and endow good fortune. Their original purpose, however, was for worship, and these particular Tiki were larger in size and helped designate holy ground. A prime example is the famous Tiki of Easter Island. The name Tiki originally referred to the first man and over time came to be associated with the embodiment of godly characteristics. |
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Hawaiian Petroglyphs
Hawaii is well known for being created by volcanoes. The relatively soft nature of this rock lent itself to the carving of petroglyphs. These petroglyphs allowed ancient Hawaiians to communicate about everyday activities as well as the important people in Hawaiian society such as warriors or the Kahuna and the Ali'i. Today they are an inspiration for culturally inspired tattoos and a popular tourist attraction. |
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History of Hawaiian Fishponds
Since fish are an integral part of the Hawaiian diet, it comes as no surprise that the ancient Hawaiians developed an extensive system of fishponds to channel their main energy source. Just as the Inuit have many words for different kinds of snow, so the Hawaiians have different words for the many kinds of fishponds depending on the type of water, location and functionality. Many are in existence to this day and some have been declared historical landmarks which are popular with tourists. |
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History of Hawaiian Surfing
The basis of surfing was imported from Tahiti and the Marquesas, but the Hawaiians made the sport uniquely their own, by conceiving the method of surfing while standing upright on the board. The infiltration of missionaries in the Hawaiian islands almost tolled the death knell for surfing. Ironically, three white men had a big hand in reviving the sport and making it popular around the world. |
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Ancient Polynesian Navigation
The ancestors of the ancient Polynesians may have been the first to take to the sea and certainly the first to venture any significant distance. The developed their knowledge of the sea, the stars and weather patterns to allow them to effectively and precisely navigate the waters of the Pacific. This knowledge was passed down from generation to generation via the oral tradition. Some of this knowledge was lost during the Colonial period due to the interdictions on cultural practices combines with a lack of precision in documenting the oral traditions. Today however, these traditions are making a comeback, thanks in large part to those intent on reviving and recreating this ancient art. |
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Ancient Hawaiian Astronomy
The ancient Hawaiians used certain celestial bodies as a guide for many different life activities, from telling time to determining the best time to plant and harvest to planning and navigating a long sea voyage. The astronomers were revered for their predictive abilities. In addition to astronomy they also used the planets and certain stars for what we in modern times would consider astrological uses, making predictions about royalty, common people and future events. |
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Hawaiian Outrigger Canoes
The outrigger canoe immediately calls to mind the Hawaiian Islands. Using only basic tools, Hawaiian craftsmen create a light yet sturdy vessel for navigating the sea. A double hulled version with sails was used in the great migration to the Islands. Single hulled versions have always been popular in racing and continue to be so today. Learn more about the distinguished history of the Hawaiian Outrigger boat. |
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Colonialism in Hawaii
The early missionaries to Hawaii had the way paved for them by Captain Cook and his entourage. Early encounters with the explorers set into motion a chain of events that would lead the Hawaiians to abolish the system of kapu (taboo) and diminish the power of the Hawaiian kings and priests. The adoption of western ways and allowing land ownership by non-natives eventually led to the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands by the United States. |
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History of Hawaiian Volcanoes
Over 70 million years ago the volcanoes that would eventually comprise the Hawaiian islands started erupting underwater but it would take millions more before they reached the surface of the water. Some 1500 years ago the Polynesian settlers that would become the Hawaiians arrived and developed their own creation legend :the Kumulipo. The Kumulipo tells of how the volcanoes came to be, among many other legends of creation. |
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Hawaiian Hula Dance
The Hula is a time-honored traditional dance of the Hawaiian islands and is believed to have been brought to the Hawaiian islands by the Polynesians who migrated there many centuries ago. The original form of this dance was of great religious significance, often being performed at religious ceremonies, where precise perfection was exacted of the dancers. A later form developed under the influence of the missionaries, who desired greater modesty. |
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Traditional Hawaiian Music
Hawaiian music has a very distinctive sound. This comes from the use of traditional Hawaiian instruments and rhythms associated with religious chants as well as more modern, yet distinctly Hawaiian instruments. Hawaiian musicians skilled in the use of these instruments have created a unique modern form of Hawaiian music by blending traditional Hawaiian sound with traditional Western music. |
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Story of the Ukulele
The ukulele is a notable part of Hawaiian culture and figures prominently in its musical heritage. The instrument is comprised of four strings and is made from different variations of wood, which affect the overall quality and sound. Ukuleles come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are versatile instruments that can be used in a number of musical genres. One of the leading manufacturers of the ukulele is Kamaka, which is the predominant brand name worldwide. Its headquarters remain in the scenic islands, which inspired the development of the instrument. Kamaka is renowned for producing exceptionally crafted ukuleles; a reputation that has spanned almost 100 years. |
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History of Hawaiian Pineapple
When one thinks of pineapple, most people think of Hawaii, but did you know that the pineapple was only introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1813? See how the ideal climate of these tropical islands gave rise to the pineapple plantation in Hawaii. |
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History of Hawaiian Coffee
The coffee plant was originally imported to Hawaii in the early nineteenth century and developed into profitable industry with large plantations. Reduction in demand resulted in smaller farms that focused on quality of the coffee. Although coffee is still grown in many areas of the Hawaiian Islands, Kona coffee is the most well known. |
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History of Hawaiian Sugar Cane
Sugar cane was grown in the Hawaiian Islands centuries before Europeans ever set foot there. However, the first actual sugar mill was only established at the beginning of the 19th century. From there production ramped up as sugar became a very popular export to the United States. However this cash crop did not come without a price to the environment and the natives of the Islands. Read on to learn more abut the fascinating history of sugar cane in Hawaii. |
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History of Hawaiian Noni
The Noni tree is a versatile and powerful healing agent. First discovered in Ancient India, it made its way to Polynesia and eventually Hawaii by way of migration starting in South East Asia. Revered for its healing powers, Noni was a precious cargo for the Polynesians as they settled new lands. |
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History of Polynesian Breadfruit
Breadfruit is an edible plant whose history dates back to the precursor of Polynesian society. The plant and its fruit are hardy and able to withstand long sea voyages, which provided nourishment both for the voyage and at the new settlements. This versatility attracted Western attention in the 16th century with the result that the Breadfruit is now found in tropical regions throughout the world. |
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