Hawaii: Living in Paradise

1911 Words4 Pages

Hawai'i is a land full of diverse people and ideas, starting from the Polynesians who decided to cross the ocean to settle and form the traditions practiced today by the Hawaiians. Unlike many other states, the beliefs of Hawai'i have managed to stay alive. Its unique culture is what attracts tourists most. Many people see it as a vacation spot, full of fun attractions and say, “When I go to Hawai'i I'm going to get some Hawaiian tattoos, they look so cool!” or “I'm going to buy a hula skirt, they're really pretty!” But all those hula dances and tattoos are not just for show. People do not know that there is more to it than ink or hip swaying; behind every hula skirt and every tattoo there is a story. Hawai’i’s culture consists of the significance of its dances, tattoos, and traditions that give Hawaiians their unique lifestyle. Hawai'i's rich culture and history started with the arrival of the Polynesians to the islands between 300-500 A.D. After settling they adapted to the islands and began to create a society. But hundreds of years later in 1778, the western world came to put a stop to the Hawaiians lives. Captain James Cook and his crew were the first to arrive, setting off a chain of events that rid the Hawaiians of their lifestyles. Christian missionaries banned tattoos and hula dancing, getting rid of the people's culture. Diseases brought from the west killed hundreds of civilians. Hunters, whalers, fur traders began ravishing the islands of its animals. In the nineteenth century sugar plantations were created, and the U.S. overthrew their queen and her kingdom, making Hawaii American territory. A naval base was soon set up in Honolulu, only to have it attacked, launching the U.S. into WWII. Years after the attack, Haw... ... middle of paper ... ... ed. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2000. 819-831. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 21 Nov. 2013. "Ancient Sport and Ali'i Surfers." HawaiiHistory. Info Grafik Inc., n.d. Web. 27 Nov 2013. "Wave Forms/Surf Breaks." HawaiiHistory. Info Grafik Inc., n.d. Web. 27 Nov 2013. Cardona, Jairo. "What is Hula?." Sacred Bodywork. Sacred BodyWork LLC, n.d. Web. 4 Dec 2013. Britton, Veronica. "The Origins of Surfing." The Sport of Kings. N.p.. Web. 6 Dec 2013. "Hawaiians." Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life. Ed. Timothy L. Gall and Jeneen Hobby. 2nd ed. Vol. 2: Americas. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 271-275. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 25 Sept. 2013. "Hula Dancing." May I Have This Dance. ThinkQuest, n.d. Web. 6 Dec 2013. Brown, Alyssa. "For Fourth Year, Hawaii No. 1 in Wellbeing, W.Va. Last." GALLUP Well-Being. Gallup, Inc., 28 Feb 2013. Web. 7 Dec 2013.

Show More
Related

  • Hawaii 78 Interpretation

    1285 Words  | 3 Pages

    While sitting on the beach looking into the ocean, rubbing the sand and enjoying the beautiful weather at Cabana’s beach; in beautiful Hawaii on the west side of the island of Oahu is a blessing. Listening to “Hawaii 78” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole at midday at three-thirty pm sparks a sense of uneasiness to a Native Hawaiian, Who are my ancestors? Who is Israel Kamakawiwo’ole? What is the land used for? Has Hawaii really changed, what is the difference between today and one hundred years ago? The importance of the logo “Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono O Hawaii” http://www.netstate.com/states/mottoes/hi_motto.htm

    Read More

  • Effective Use of Pathos and Connotative Language

    925 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Hawaiian culture is known throughout the western world for their extravagant luaus, beautiful islands, and a language that comes nowhere near being pronounceable to anyone but a Hawaiian. Whenever someone wants to “get away” their first thought is to sit on the beach in Hawai’i with a Mai tai in their hand and watch the sun go down. Haunani-Kay Trask is a native Hawaiian educated on the mainland because it was believed to provide a better education. She questioned the stories of her heritage she heard as a child when she began learning of her ancestors in books at school. Confused by which story was correct, she returned to Hawai’i and discovered that the books of the mainland schools had been all wrong and her heritage was correctly told through the language and teachings of her own people. With her use of pathos and connotative language, Trask does a fine job of defending her argument that the western world destroyed her vibrant Hawaiian culture.

    Read More

  • Personal Narrative-My Trip To Hawaii

    681 Words  | 2 Pages

    When I stepped out of the hot, airless plane into the bright, dazzling sunlight beaming down across the burning concreate, I felt excited and nervous. Holding my beach bag in my hand and slipping my Ray Ban sunglasses on with my other, I flip-flopped down the airspace. Overhead I heard the screams of gulls and the chatter of the small fluffy birds. I suddenly realized I had arrived to Hawaii. This trip was such an unforgettable vacation for me because I got to witness the beauty of nature that Hawaii has to offer.

    Read More

  • Comparison Of The Polynesian Culture On The Hawaiian Culture

    746 Words  | 2 Pages

    78,086,081 people, domestic and internationally have gone to Hawai’i in 2015 (Historical Visitors). However, has anyone truly went past the beautiful scenic lands and Hawaiian culture to learn the origin of everything? Fittingly, this essay will go in-depth of the Polynesian culture that soon settled on the Hawaiian islands of today: identifying cultural norms, symbols, and values that influences their communication that encompasses the Hawaiian spirit tourist known to love. Lastly, a comparison of Hispanic culture and investigate qualities that are similar and different between the two cultures.

    Read More

  • The annexation of Hawaii

    1420 Words  | 3 Pages

    Brown, DeSoto. "Beautiful, Romantic Hawaii: How the Fantasy Image Came to Be." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts. 20 (1994): 252-271.

    Read More

  • The Hawaiian Renaissance

    1320 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the 1960s-1970s the Hawaiian Renaissance and growth of the Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement began. During this time there were small, yet important events that sparked a completely new understanding for the Kanaka Maoli. In the past, being a Hawaiian was not something to be proud of; many did not even have much knowledge on what being a Hawaiian really was. As Hawai‘i became more colonialized and heavily influenced by various cultures, the quality of being a Hawaiian slowly but terrifyingly disintegrated. It seems that right after statehood there was a sense that a new era would come. This era known as the Hawaiian Renaissance encouraged many individuals to become more motivated and educated on the history of Hawai‘i. Especially for Kanaka Maoli, the Hawaiian Renaissance ignited a fire of revival and perpetuation for a culture that was nearly extinct. In many ways the Hawaiian Renaissance has been the defining moment because during this time sovereignty, protest, and revival were the key players in further strengthening Hawai‘i and hopefully moving it towards independence.

    Read More

  • American Hawaii

    1284 Words  | 3 Pages

    American Hawaii Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, it’s nice year-round weather, and its culture. Thousands of vacationers come to Hawaii each year to get away from the stressful city and relax. But do they know how cruel the Americans were to the natives? Do they know how we corrupted their culture and their religion? Do they know how Hawaii really became a state? Probably not. When most people think of Hawaii, they think of happy Hawaiian babes hula dancing and palm trees swaying in the warm breeze. Hawaii has still held on to many of their traditions although they were invaded by Americans. But you have to go to a museum to see their old way of life. Hawaii is now populated mostly by Americans. Native Hawaiians have adapted to our American lifestyle and much of their old traditions and beliefs are lost in history books. America dominated over the Hawaiians just as they did with the Native Americans. The Hawaiians didn’t even stand a chance against big brother. They probably feel the same way towards America just as a child does with stubborn parents. Now I will tell you about the history of Hawaii so you will see how the United States came to annex Hawaii. Hawaii was first inhabited by the Polynesians. They came in canoes from other islands around the pacific. They called the new found island "Hawaii", which means "home" in Polynesian language. Hawaii was their home until the white man came in and took advantage of these simple, happy aborigines. The corruption of this unique and fragile culture first started when Captain James Cook ran into the islands on January 18, 1778. After Cook’s discovery, many other foreigners (mostly American) visited the islands. They brought clothes, livestock, orange trees, horses weapons and souvigners. Foreigners also brought with them a handful of deadly diseases such as smallpox, measles, syphilis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough. During the time period of Cook’s arrival in 1778 to 1820, the population of Hawaii dropped from 300,000 to 135,000 due to the diseases! Another problem was the introduction of alcohol. Like the native americans, Hawaiians were not immune to alcohol. Hawaiian’s were very sensitive to alcoholism. Hawaiians religion was a very complex one with many gods. They worshiped idols and they belived in many f...

    Read More

  • Why Do US Involvement In Hawaii?

    416 Words  | 1 Pages

    Hawaii, which is said to derive from “Hawaiki”, was originally home to the Polynesian people who sailed from their ancestral land of Raiatea hundreds of years ago. As the superpowers of the world, like Great Britain and America, rose to power, Hawaii found itself as a target for potential profit. Like many other islands that are the product of thousands of years of volcanic activity, Hawaii has a warm climate with rich soil and a diverse biological population. It is these characteristics that made the land so appealing to many foreign planters who wished to expand their business, and in turn make more profit. However, many American and European people began to decentralize the culture in Hawaii through attempts of assimilating the native people there, and conflict arose consequently.

    Read More

  • The Hidden Dangers Of Hawaii: Hidden Dangers In The World

    1589 Words  | 4 Pages

    While walking down the beach, the white, warm sand mushes between your toes. The sun’s radiant rays beam off your glowing skin. The sound of waves crashing blocks out the external world. There is no other place like the gorgeous tropical islands of Hawaii. The wide range of flowers, cuisine, and wildlife makes it one of the most picturesque places on Earth. It also leads the United States with the highest racial minority rate making it the most diverse state. However, there are numerous hidden dangers of Hawaii, and not all ethnic groups get along causing sharp tensions across the island.

    Read More

  • John Papa I Father

    863 Words  | 2 Pages

    Ii, John Papa., Mary Kawena Pukui, and Dorothy B. Barrère. Fragments of Hawaiian History. Honolulu: Bishop Museum, 1983. Print.

    Read More

  • Legend Of Pele And Hi Iaka Of Hawaii

    1618 Words  | 4 Pages

    Hawaiians have a great significance of their beliefs and culture. Some beliefs are based on nature and the things within it. Native Hawaiians also have great legends that explain what they believe in. Almost everyone would say legends are only made up stories for interest or to scare people but not everyone would think that here in the Hawaiian Islands. Many people do not believe in legends; however Native Hawaiians rely on their legends which allow them to learn about their ancestors.

    Read More

  • The Colonization of Hawaii and Tourism

    4432 Words  | 9 Pages

    ...e" (Trask xix). This incident beautifully illustrates and signifies tourism's impact in American society. Like most Americans, this woman uses a discourse that has been shaped by tourist advertisements and souvenirs. The woman's statement implies that Trask resembles what the tourist industry projects, as if this image created Hawaiian culture. As Trask asserts, Hawaiian culture existed long before tourism and has been exploited by tourism in the form of advertisements and items such as postcards. Along with the violence, endangered environment, and poverty, this exploitation is what the tourist industry does not want to show. However, this is the Hawai'i Haunani-Kay Trask lives in everyday. "This is Hawai'i, once the most fragile and precious of sacred places, now transformed by the American behemoth into a dying land. Only a whispering spirit remains" (Trask 19).

    Read More

  • Visiting Hawaii

    489 Words  | 1 Pages

    The people and the culture make you appreciate the type of paradise tat you are in. The houses aren’t the best and the schools aren’t the biggest. But everyone seems to be happy with what they have. There seems to be a type of brotherhood that the Hawaiians have. They may not show it but you do receive that kind of vibe when you interact with them. I gathered the fact that Hawaiians, as a society, look after each other, irregardless if they know each other or not. With that attitude, you can learn to appreciate what you have.

    Read More

  • Hokulea Research Paper

    2006 Words  | 5 Pages

    The story of the Hokulea, a model of the first canoes that brought the first Polynesians to Hawaii, is a story that restores cultural pride and history to Hawaiians. Her legacy was almost extinct, but survived and restored the relationship that society has with its island home. More than 600 years had gone by without seeing one of these canoes, until artist Herb Kane thought to build a sailing canoe just like the ones his ancestors sailed (“The Story of Hokulea”). Responsible for being the cornerstone of Polynesian culture, the Hokulea has evolved over many years and has helped revive a heritage that was almost lost.

    Read More

  • Hawaii

    677 Words  | 2 Pages

    In summary, the author of this book explains Hawaii’s tourism, as well as its traditions and cultures.

    Read More

More about Hawaii: Living in Paradise

Open Document