Hawaiian Renaissance

Quick Facts: Who was Hawaiian Renaissance?

Subject:

Hawaiian Renaissance

Known for:

A cultural resurgence reviving traditional Kānaka Maoli identity in Hawaiʻi.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Hawaiian Renaissance (also called the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance) was the Hawaiian resurgence of a distinct cultural identity that draws upon traditional Kānaka Maoli culture, with a significant divergence from the tourism-based culture which Hawaiʻi was previously known for worldwide (along with the rest of Polynesia). The Hawaiian Renaissance has been pointed to as a global model for biocultural restoration and sustainability. The First Hawaiian Renaissance had its foundation in the nationalist sentiments of King Kamehameha V. At the time Hawaii was an independent kingdom. The intention was to form a contemporary national identity rather than modeling Hawaii after Great Britain and the culture of the United States. King Kalākaua rise to power faced internal conflicts between family lineage.

Career & Major Achievements

Some islanders, particularly nobles, wanted Kalākaua, whereas a large contingent of commoners cheered for his competitor, Queen Emma, wife of Kamehameha IV and a humanitarian leader. The result spread tension between the people themselves, but most came to favor Kalākaua as he brought back Hawaiian culture to urban areas. Kalākaua took steps to perpetuate nationalism, replacing 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 the haole people, growing views he was putting his people over the others continued. The Hawaiian people loved him; however, missionaries' descendants did not enjoy dealings with Kalākaua.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The missionaries' descendants had gained power in Hawai'i by buying land. They were influential enough on the island that they held advisory positions to Kalākaua, though the king didn't always agree with their opinions. He always put his people first, and that sometimes meant denying missionaries' ideas. Kalākaua spent three years planning his second coronation in 1883 to try to ease racial tensions between the Hawaiians and the haoles, and 8,000 people attended. Kalākaua sponsored several traditional Hawaiian practices such as hula (which had been banned in 1830 by queen regent Kaʻahumanu as part of the effort to uproot Hawaiian traditional religion and impose Christianity on Hawaii), chants, sports, and royal rituals.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1830: 1830 Milestone — Kalākaua sponsored several traditional Hawaiian practices such as hula (which had been banned in 1830 by queen regent Kaʻahumanu as part of the effort to uproot Hawaiian traditional religion and impose Christianity on Hawaii), chants, sports, and royal rituals.
2. 1876: 1876 Milestone — Kalākaua took steps to perpetuate nationalism, replacing the considerably Christian national anthem He Mele Lahui Hawaii with Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī in 1876, inspired by Kamehameha I.
3. 1879: 1879 Milestone — He had the aged ʻIolani Palace rebuilt, starting in 1879 and finishing in 1882.
4. 1883: 1883 Milestone — Kalākaua spent three years planning his second coronation in 1883 to try to ease racial tensions between the Hawaiians and the haoles, and 8,000 people attended.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hawaiian Renaissance

True or False: “The Hawaiian Renaissance was solely focused on restoring pre-contact religious practices and completely ignored modern political struggles.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While cultural restoration was key, the movement also involved significant political activism, such as advocating for Hawaiian independence and land rights.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaiian Renaissance