Hawaiian Renaissance
Encyclopedia
The First and Second Hawaiian Renaissance (also often called the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance) was the Hawaii
an resurgence of a distinct cultural identity that draws upon traditional kānaka maoli
culture, with a significant divergence from the tourism
-based "culture"
which Hawaii was previously known for worldwide (along with the rest of Polynesia
).
sentiments of King Kamehameha V
. At the time Hawaii was an independent kingdom. The intention was to from a contemporary national identity rather than modeling Hawaii after Great Britain
and the Culture of the United States
. King Kalākaua
had controversial rise to power which included an election riot upon public awareness of the results. His formal coronation under foreign military security gave the impression he took power by force rather than popularity.
Kalākaua had took steps to perpetuated nationalism. Kalākaua replaced the considerably Christian national anthem He Mele Lahui Hawaii
with Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī in 1876 inspired by Kamehameha I
. He had the aged [[ʻIolani Palace]] rebuilt starting in 1879 and finishing in 1882.
Despite early efforts to earn favor with his people growing views he was abandoning his people continued, Kalākaua intended to re-invent himself worthy as a ruler.
Kalākaua spent three years planning his second coronation in 1883 to erase the impression given by his first, 8,000 people attended. Kalakaua sponsored several traditional Hawaiian practices such as hula, chants, sports, and royal rituals. He also had Hawaiian myths, legends, and chants recorded to media such as the Kumulipo
and had his genealogy traced.
The Second Hawaiian Renaissance is generally considered to have started in 1970, and drew from similar cultural movements from the late 60s and early 70s. It is mostly known from music, such as Gabby Pahinui
and his work with the Sons of Hawaii
, or Keola
and Kapono Beamer's traditionalist slack-key music. Other noted Hawaiian musicians who played an integral role in the renaissance were Dennis Pavao
, Ledward Kaapana, and Nedward Kaapana. The Kaapana brothers, along with cousin Pavao formed the falsetto trio, Hui Ohana. The musical group "Olomana" contributed greatly to the music of this period with songs like 'O Malia' and 'Mele O Kahoolawe'.
This period in Hawaiian history is also associated with a renewed interest in Hawaiian language
, Pidgin
, Hula
, Traditional Hawaiian Crafts
, Hawaiian Studies
, and other cultural items.
The Merrie Monarch Festival
, established in 1964 by George Na'ope
, caused a resurgence in the study and practice of ancient hula developed and danced before 1893.
The time also included intense land struggles such as that of Kalama Valley, Kahoolawe
and Waiāhole/Waikāne, and a resurgence of traditional practices such as loi kalo (taro patch) farming, folk arts, and mālama āina (traditional forestry/ land healing and restoration).
Polynesian voyaging is also a large aspect of the Hawaiian Renaissance. In 1975, the Polynesian Voyaging Society
built a replica of an ancient Polynesian voyaging canoe
. The vessel, Hōkūle‘a, and the re-adoption of non-instrument wayfinding
navigation
by Nainoa Thompson
, are icons of the Hawaiian Renaissance and contributors to the resurgence of interest in Polynesian culture. Hōkūle‘a's voyage concluded 8 June 2007. (see Hōkūle‘a
)
The movement sometimes touches upon politics, including issues dealing with Native Hawaiians
and restoration of Hawaiian independence
. Amongst the outcomes was the Constitution of 1978
, which produced the Office of Hawaiian Affairs
and reclaiming federal land to the State like Kahoolawe
.
The height of the Hawaiian Renaissance is usually located during the 1970s, and had mostly waned by 1980, although some refer to it as a still-contemporary movement.
The term "Hawaiian Renaissance" is sometimes also applied to the time period immediately following King Kalākaua's ascendance to the throne, which marked the public return of traditional arts such as the hula
, after Calvinist missionary repression had forced these arts underground for several decades.
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
an resurgence of a distinct cultural identity that draws upon traditional kānaka maoli
Native Hawaiians
Native Hawaiians refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands or their descendants. Native Hawaiians trace their ancestry back to the original Polynesian settlers of Hawaii.According to the U.S...
culture, with a significant divergence from the tourism
Tourism in Hawaii
Hawaii is the name of several islands and are among the numerous Pacific Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Of these, the islands which have significant tourism are: Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Lānai....
-based "culture"
Tiki culture
Tiki kitsch culture is a 20th-century theme used in Polynesian-style restaurants and clubs originally in the United States and then, to a lesser degree, around the world...
which Hawaii was previously known for worldwide (along with the rest of Polynesia
Polynesia
Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania, made up of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The indigenous people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians and they share many similar traits including language, culture and beliefs...
).
First Hawaiian Renaissance
The First Hawaiian Renaissance had its foundation in the nationalismNationalism
Nationalism is a political ideology that involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, i.e. a nation. In the 'modernist' image of the nation, it is nationalism that creates national identity. There are various definitions for what...
sentiments of King Kamehameha V
Kamehameha V
aloghaKamehameha V , born as Lot Kapuāiwa, reigned as monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1863 to 1872. His motto was "Onipa`a": immovable, firm, steadfast or determined; he worked diligently for his people and kingdom and was described as the last great traditional chief...
. At the time Hawaii was an independent kingdom. The intention was to from a contemporary national identity rather than modeling Hawaii after Great Britain
Britishness
Britishness is the state or quality of being British, or of embodying British characteristics, and is used to refer to that which binds and distinguishes the British people and forms the basis of their unity and identity, or else to explain expressions of British culture—such as habits, behaviours...
and the Culture of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. King Kalākaua
Kalakaua
Kalākaua, born David Laamea Kamanakapuu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua and sometimes called The Merrie Monarch , was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii...
had controversial rise to power which included an election riot upon public awareness of the results. His formal coronation under foreign military security gave the impression he took power by force rather than popularity.
Kalākaua had took steps to perpetuated nationalism. Kalākaua replaced the considerably Christian national anthem He Mele Lahui Hawaii
He Mele Lahui Hawaii
He Mele Lāhui Hawaii was composed in November 1866 at the request of Kamehameha V, who wanted a national anthem to replace the British anthem God Save the King. It replaced Lunalilo's composition E Ola Ke Alii Ke Akua as the national anthem...
with Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī in 1876 inspired by Kamehameha I
Kamehameha I
Kamehameha I , also known as Kamehameha the Great, conquered the Hawaiian Islands and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810. By developing alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers, Kamehameha preserved Hawaii's independence under his rule...
. He had the aged [[ʻIolani Palace]] rebuilt starting in 1879 and finishing in 1882.
Despite early efforts to earn favor with his people growing views he was abandoning his people continued, Kalākaua intended to re-invent himself worthy as a ruler.
Kalākaua spent three years planning his second coronation in 1883 to erase the impression given by his first, 8,000 people attended. Kalakaua sponsored several traditional Hawaiian practices such as hula, chants, sports, and royal rituals. He also had Hawaiian myths, legends, and chants recorded to media such as the Kumulipo
Kumulipo
In ancient Hawaiian mythology, the Kumulipo is a chant in the Hawaiian language telling a creation story. It also includes a genealogy of the members of Hawaiian royalty.-Creation chant:Many cultures have their own beliefs on how the earth came to be created...
and had his genealogy traced.
Second Hawaiian Renaissance
Gabby Pahinui
Charles Philip "Gabby" or "Pops" Pahinui was a slack-key guitarist.Gabby was born Charles Kapono Kahahawaii Jr. and later hānai-ed into the Pahinui family as Charles Philip Pahinui and raised in the Kaka'ako area of Honolulu in the 1920s...
and his work with the Sons of Hawaii
Sons of Hawaii
The Sons of Hawaii was a Hawaiian musical group that popular to mainstream audiences from the 1960s through the 1990s.-History:In 1960 they opened at the Sandbox in Honolulu and were soon the highest paid Hawaiian group in the Islands...
, or Keola
Keola Beamer
Keola Beamer is a Hawaiian slack-key guitar player, best known as the composer of "Honolulu City Lights" and an innovative musician who fused Hawaiian roots and contemporary music.-Family:...
and Kapono Beamer's traditionalist slack-key music. Other noted Hawaiian musicians who played an integral role in the renaissance were Dennis Pavao
Dennis Pavao
Dennis Pavao , was one of several Hawaiian musicians who, during the 1970s, led a Hawaiian music renaissance, reviving Hawaiian music, especially "ka leo ki'eki'e," or Hawaiian falsetto singing. Along with his cousins, Ledward and Nedward Kaapana, Pavao started the group Hui Ohana. Hui Ohana...
, Ledward Kaapana, and Nedward Kaapana. The Kaapana brothers, along with cousin Pavao formed the falsetto trio, Hui Ohana. The musical group "Olomana" contributed greatly to the music of this period with songs like 'O Malia' and 'Mele O Kahoolawe'.
This period in Hawaiian history is also associated with a renewed interest in Hawaiian language
Hawaiian language
The Hawaiian language is a Polynesian language that takes its name from Hawaii, the largest island in the tropical North Pacific archipelago where it developed. Hawaiian, along with English, is an official language of the state of Hawaii...
, Pidgin
Hawaiian Pidgin
Hawaii Pidgin English, Hawaii Creole English, HCE, or simply Pidgin, is a creole language based in part on English used by many "local" residents of Hawaii. Although English and Hawaiian are the co-official languages of the state of Hawaii, Pidgin is used by many Hawaii residents in everyday...
, Hula
Hula
Hula is a dance form accompanied by chant or song . It was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there. The hula dramatizes or portrays the words of the oli or mele in a visual dance form....
, Traditional Hawaiian Crafts
Hawaiian art
The Hawaiian archipelago consists of 137 islands in the Pacific Ocean that are far from any other land. Polynesians arrived there one to two thousand years ago, and in 1778 Captain James Cook and his crew became the first Europeans to visit Hawaii...
, Hawaiian Studies
Hawaiian Studies
Hawaiian studies is an academic discipline dedicated to the study of Hawaiians. It evolved in the second half of the 20th century partly in response to charges that traditional disciplines such as anthropology, history, English language, ethnology, Asian Studies, and orientalism were imbued with an...
, and other cultural items.
The Merrie Monarch Festival
Merrie Monarch Festival
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural festival that takes place annually in Hilo, Hawaii. It honors King David Kalākaua, who was called the "Merrie Monarch" for his patronage of the arts. He is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign, including the...
, established in 1964 by George Na'ope
George Na'ope
George Lanakilakekiahialii Naope , born in Kalihi, Hawaii, was a celebrated kumu hula, master Hawaiian chanter, and leading advocate and preservationist of native Hawaiian culture worldwide...
, caused a resurgence in the study and practice of ancient hula developed and danced before 1893.
The time also included intense land struggles such as that of Kalama Valley, Kahoolawe
Kahoolawe
Kahoolawe is the smallest of the eight main volcanic islands in the Hawaiian Islands. Kahoolawe is located about seven miles southwest of Maui and also southeast of Lanai, and it is long by wide, with a total land area of . The highest point on Kahoolawe is the crater of Lua Makika at the...
and Waiāhole/Waikāne, and a resurgence of traditional practices such as loi kalo (taro patch) farming, folk arts, and mālama āina (traditional forestry/ land healing and restoration).
Polynesian voyaging is also a large aspect of the Hawaiian Renaissance. In 1975, the Polynesian Voyaging Society
Polynesian Voyaging Society
The Polynesian Voyaging Society is a non-profit research and educational corporation based in Honolulu, Hawaii. PVS was established to research and perpetuate traditional Polynesian voyaging methods...
built a replica of an ancient Polynesian voyaging canoe
Canoe sailing
Canoe sailing refers to the practice of fitting a Polynesian outrigger or Western canoe with sails.See also log canoe, a type of sailboat used in the Chesapeake Bay region.-Polynesian sailing canoes:...
. The vessel, Hōkūle‘a, and the re-adoption of non-instrument wayfinding
Wayfinding
Wayfinding encompasses all of the ways in which people and animals orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place.-Historical:...
navigation
Navigation
Navigation is the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. It is also the term of art used for the specialized knowledge used by navigators to perform navigation tasks...
by Nainoa Thompson
Nainoa Thompson
Charles Nainoa Thompson is a Native Hawaiian navigator and the executive director of the Polynesian Voyaging Society...
, are icons of the Hawaiian Renaissance and contributors to the resurgence of interest in Polynesian culture. Hōkūle‘a's voyage concluded 8 June 2007. (see Hōkūle‘a
Hokulea
Hōkūlea is a performance-accurate full-scale replica of a waa kaulua, a Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe. Launched on 8 March 1975 by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, she is best known for her 1976 Hawaii to Tahiti voyage performed with Polynesian navigation techniques, without modern...
)
The movement sometimes touches upon politics, including issues dealing with Native Hawaiians
Native Hawaiians
Native Hawaiians refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands or their descendants. Native Hawaiians trace their ancestry back to the original Polynesian settlers of Hawaii.According to the U.S...
and restoration of Hawaiian independence
Hawaiian sovereignty movement
The Hawaiian sovereignty movement is a political movement seeking some form of sovereignty for Hawai'i. Generally, the movement's focus is on self-determination and self-governance, either for Hawaiʻi as an independent nation, or for people of whole or part native Hawaiian ancestry, or for...
. Amongst the outcomes was the Constitution of 1978
1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention
The 1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention is regarded to be the watershed political event in the modern State of Hawaii. The convention established term limits for state office holders, provided a requirement for an annual balanced budget, laid the groundwork for the return of federal land...
, which produced the Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is a semi-autonomous entity of the state of Hawaii charged with the administration of 1.8 million acres of royal land held in trust for the benefit of native Hawaiians...
and reclaiming federal land to the State like Kahoolawe
Kahoolawe
Kahoolawe is the smallest of the eight main volcanic islands in the Hawaiian Islands. Kahoolawe is located about seven miles southwest of Maui and also southeast of Lanai, and it is long by wide, with a total land area of . The highest point on Kahoolawe is the crater of Lua Makika at the...
.
The height of the Hawaiian Renaissance is usually located during the 1970s, and had mostly waned by 1980, although some refer to it as a still-contemporary movement.
The term "Hawaiian Renaissance" is sometimes also applied to the time period immediately following King Kalākaua's ascendance to the throne, which marked the public return of traditional arts such as the hula
Hula
Hula is a dance form accompanied by chant or song . It was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there. The hula dramatizes or portrays the words of the oli or mele in a visual dance form....
, after Calvinist missionary repression had forced these arts underground for several decades.
See also
- National revivalRomantic nationalismRomantic nationalism is the form of nationalism in which the state derives its political legitimacy as an organic consequence of the unity of those it governs...
- Merrie Monarch FestivalMerrie Monarch FestivalThe Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural festival that takes place annually in Hilo, Hawaii. It honors King David Kalākaua, who was called the "Merrie Monarch" for his patronage of the arts. He is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign, including the...
- Eddie KamaeEddie KamaeEddie Kamae is one of the founding members of Sons of Hawaii. He is a 'ukulele virtuoso, singer, composer, film producer and primary proponent of theHawaiian Cultural Renaissance.-Biography:...
- King David Kalākaua IKalakauaKalākaua, born David Laamea Kamanakapuu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua and sometimes called The Merrie Monarch , was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii...
- Polynesian Voyaging SocietyPolynesian Voyaging SocietyThe Polynesian Voyaging Society is a non-profit research and educational corporation based in Honolulu, Hawaii. PVS was established to research and perpetuate traditional Polynesian voyaging methods...
- SurfingSurfingSurfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
- LuauLuauA luau is a Hawaiian feast. It may feature food, such as poi, kalua pig, poke, lomi salmon, opihi, haupia, and beer; and entertainment, such as Hawaiian music and hula...
External links
- The Hawaiian Renaissance by George KanaheleGeorge KanaheleGeorge Hueu Sanford Kanahele was a native Hawaiian activist, historian and author.-Life:George Hueu Sanford Kanahele was born October 17, 1930 in Kahuku on the island of Oahu of Hawaii....