Native Hawaiian

Native Hawaiian
Dbenbenn · Public domain · source
Group	Native Hawaiian
Population	approximately 527,000
Regions	Hawaii, United States, California, Nevada, Washington (state), Utah
Languages	Hawaiian language, English language
Related	Polynesian, Maori, Samoan, Tahitian, Tongan

Native Hawaiian. The Native Hawaiian people are the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands, with a distinct identity shaped by their Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian language, and Hawaiian history. They have a rich cultural heritage, with notable figures such as King Kamehameha I, Queen Liliuokalani, and Duke Kahanamoku, who have contributed to the development of Hawaii and its people. The Native Hawaiian community has strong ties to the land, the Pacific Ocean, and their ancestors, with many still practicing traditional Hawaiian spirituality and participating in cultural events like the Merrie Monarch Festival and the Honolulu Festival.

Definition and Identity

The definition and identity of Native Hawaiian people are closely tied to their ancestry, culture, and history, with many tracing their roots back to the early Polynesian settlers of Hawaii, such as the Tahitian and Marquesan people. The Native Hawaiian identity is also influenced by their interactions with other cultures, including the British, American, and Asian communities, as seen in the lives of notable figures like King Kalakaua and Queen Emma of Hawaii. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act play important roles in preserving and promoting Native Hawaiian identity, culture, and welfare, with support from organizations like the Hawaii Community Foundation and the Bishop Museum. The Native Hawaiian community is also connected to other Pacific Islander groups, such as the Samoan, Tongan, and Fijian people, through shared cultural and historical ties.

History

The history of Native Hawaiian people dates back to the early Polynesian settlement of Hawaii around 1000-1200 AD, with the arrival of Tahitian and Marquesan explorers, such as Hawaiiloa and Paumakua. The Native Hawaiian kingdom was established in the late 18th century, with notable rulers like King Kamehameha I and King Kamehameha III, who played important roles in shaping the islands' history, including the Battle of Mokuohai and the Mahele. The Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893 and the subsequent Annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 had significant impacts on the Native Hawaiian people, leading to the loss of land, culture, and sovereignty, as documented by historians like Gavan Daws and Noelani Goodyear-Kaopua. The Native Hawaiian community has continued to fight for their rights and self-determination, with key events like the Hawaiian Renaissance and the Akaka Bill, supported by organizations like the Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement and the Ka Lahui Hawaii.

Culture

Native Hawaiian culture is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on ohana (family), aloha (love and compassion), and malama (care and stewardship) for the land and the community, as reflected in the works of artists like Herb Kawainui Kane and Isami Kunioki. The hula dance, ukulele music, and luau feasts are iconic representations of Native Hawaiian culture, with many festivals and events celebrating these traditions, such as the Merrie Monarch Festival and the Honolulu Festival. The Native Hawaiian community also values their connection to the Pacific Ocean and the land, with many still practicing traditional fishing and farming methods, as well as participating in cultural events like the Makahiki and the Hoolaulea. Notable Native Hawaiian cultural figures include Mary Kawena Pukui, Edith Kanakaole, and John Papa Ii, who have contributed to the preservation and promotion of Native Hawaiian culture and language.

Demographics

The demographics of Native Hawaiian people are diverse, with a population of approximately 527,000 people, according to the United States Census Bureau, with significant communities in Hawaii, California, Nevada, Washington (state), and Utah. The Native Hawaiian population is also dispersed across the Pacific Islands, with many living in American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Native Hawaiian community has a strong presence in urban areas like Honolulu and Los Angeles, as well as in rural areas like Hana and Kahoolawe. Organizations like the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawaiian Community Development Board work to support the social, economic, and cultural development of Native Hawaiian communities, with initiatives like the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and the Native Hawaiian Education Act.

Language

The Hawaiian language is a vital part of Native Hawaiian culture and identity, with a unique grammar and vocabulary that reflects the history and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people, as documented by linguists like Samuel Elbert and Mary Kawena Pukui. The Hawaiian language is an official language of Hawaii, along with English language, and is taught in schools and used in government and community settings, with support from organizations like the Hawaiian Language Academy and the Aha Punana Leo. The Native Hawaiian community is working to revitalize the Hawaiian language, with efforts like the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program and the Hawaiian Language Newspaper, as well as promoting the use of Hawaiian language in media and technology, such as the Hawaiian Language App and the Hawaiian Language Website.

Genetics and Health

The genetics and health of Native Hawaiian people are influenced by their ancestry and environment, with a unique genetic profile that reflects their Polynesian and Asian heritage, as studied by researchers like Dr. Rebecca Cann and Dr. Geoffrey Chambers. The Native Hawaiian community is at risk for certain health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, due to factors like diet, lifestyle, and access to healthcare, as documented by health organizations like the Hawaii Department of Health and the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems. Organizations like the Queen's Medical Center and the Hawaii Medical Center are working to address these health disparities and improve healthcare outcomes for Native Hawaiian people, with initiatives like the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program and the Hawaiian Health Care Systems. The Native Hawaiian community is also exploring the use of traditional Hawaiian medicine and cultural practices to promote health and well-being, with support from organizations like the Hawaiian Health Alliance and the Native Hawaiian Healing Arts. Category:Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Islands