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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
 Posted - 09/02/2010 : 12:36:54 AM
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What would you recommend for someone who wants to delve into Hawaiian culture studies in a fairly serious way.
I always tell folks to begin with James Michener's Hawai`i. The reasons I do so are because a) it is the book that first got me interested in Hawaiian culture and music and b) even though it is historical fiction, I have been advised by a few respected educators in Hawai`i that Michener meticulously researched his novels and though the names have been changed to protect the innocent, the facts are pretty true to what really happened.
I also recommend Shoal of Time by Gavan Dawes. This is not easy ready but it is full of information. This was also recommended to me by a few educators from Hawai`i. One however told me that it is a very good history but yet written from an outsider's perspective.
Another very good read to learn a little bit of history of Moloka`i and a lot about being right with one's self and others is Ho`oponopono by Pali Jae Lee.
Hawai`i's Story by Hawai`i's Queen written by Lili`uokalani is a definite must. She was an amazing woman who certainly demonstrates the embodiment of pono.
Kaiulani, Crown Princess of Hawaii by Nancy Webb, Jean Francis Webb, Nancy Webb, and Jean Francis Webb. Read this and you will see what the difference is with the recent film, "Kaiulani".
I have read so many more, both non-fiction and fiction (like the Shark Diaries (which I absolutely loved). But for someone just beginning to learn about Hawai`i, these are the ones I found most helpful and impactful.
What are your suggestions for "must reads"?
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
Edited by - wcerto on 09/02/2010 12:39:16 AM |
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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 04:03:28 AM
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| For a couple of really good novels, I just recently read Alan Brennert's two great books "Moloka'i" and "Honolulu". Written with a historical perspective, I really enjoyed both of them. |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
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Volcano
Akahai
USA
89 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 08:07:08 AM
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A strong recommendation for Shoal of Time. I'm actually on my second reading. Interestingly, I was recently in the bookstore on Hilo bayfront and asked if there were any other books that span history as much as this one. They are also a publisher, Petroglyph Press. The woman in the store said that they would not publish such a book due to the current climate in Hawaii. She actually expressed fear at the prospect and recommended I get books relating to specific periods in Hawaiian history. The selection there is huge.
Anyway, what I am getting most from Shoal of Time is how much the culture was distorted in the name of Christianity. I don't mean to insult anyone and I know this is an inflammatory subject, but the theme is pervasive into modern times. If anyone else has read the book, I'd love to hear other's thoughts. |
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mike2jb
Lokahi
USA
213 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 08:09:23 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by wcerto
I also recommend Shoal of Time by Gavan Dawes. This is not easy ready but it is full of information. This was also recommended to me by a few educators from Hawai`i. One however told me that it is a very good history but yet written from an outsider's perspective.
"Outsider's perspective..." I'll say.
While I ended up enjoying this book, I had a little trouble taking seriously any account that calls itself "A History of the Hawaiian Islands", and yet begins paragraph one of page one on January 18, 1778. As if nothing worth mentioning had happened before. |
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Volcano
Akahai
USA
89 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 08:19:23 AM
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Good point and one that crossed my mind while reading the book. It is definitely a "modern" history of Hawaii starting with the introduction of Westerners to the Islands. Unfortunately anything previous is speculation. It is thought that Spanish probably visited the Islands of the South Pacific for several hundred years before Captain Cook as the Hawaiians seemed to know what nails were. These were highly prized but also could have come from shipwrecks washing up on shore.
I would be fascinated and grateful if it were possible to have a definitive history of the first settlers to Hawaii. As far as "modern" history, the ghost of Kurt Vonnegut seems to float around when I read Shoal of Time. |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 09:08:38 AM
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Voices of Wisdom Hawaiian Elders Speak
Not sure if this qualifies for "serious study" since it is an easy read. In my opinion, the book very is well done and enjoyable. It features interviews with kupuna including Margaret Machado, Winona Beamer, Kekuni Blaisdell, George Naʻope, Herb Kane and Nainoa Thompson. |
Andy |
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mike2jb
Lokahi
USA
213 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 10:59:33 AM
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In addition to the excellent big histories you mentioned, Wanda, I'd also like to put a plug in for the small or particular historical accounts we come across from time to time, like Kaiulani, which you made note of. For me, I can sometimes learn more by looking at history from a narrow perspective or from a single story than I can from a broad one that tries to be comprehensive.
By chance, I used to have an office a few steps from where a mayor of Honolulu lived when he was a student at Stanford University-- a fact I discovered while doing research for a song I was trying to learn to play. So my interest in the mayor's story came about simply because of that small personal connection.
This fellow was the only person to be elected mayor for three separate terms-- in the 1920's, then in the 30's and again in the 50's. His story spans the Territorial period and is pretty interestingly told by author Bob Krauss, a former columnist at the Honolulu Advertiser in his book Johnny Wilson: First Hawaiian Democrat (UH Press).
Mayor Wilson was an engineer by training and had supervised the building of the first carriage road over the Ko`olau back in 1898. He was among the first politicians to propose tunneling through the mountains; the Wilson Tunnel on the Likelike freeway, the first tunnel to be bored through, is named for him.
He began studying civil engineering at Stanford when he was 19, one of the few foreign students to be a member of the first entering class in 1891. Most of his expenses were paid for by a family friend, Lili`uokalani.
Johnny never graduated. Upon the overthrow of the monarchy, he returned to Hawaii, running ammunition between Maui and O`ahu in support of the monarchists for a time. When the Queen was imprisoned in the `Iolani palace in 1895, Johnny regularly brought her fresh flowers from her gardens.
You're probably familiar with the story that he wrapped the flowers in newspapers, which had been forbidden to her for fear of her receiving outside news of supposed rebel activity. The newspapers were taken from the home of one of Lili`uokalani's neighbors who had been the judge at her trial, an irony that seems to have pleased her.
While she was imprisoned, Lili`uokalani wrote, among other songs, "Ku`u Pua I Paokalani" about those flowers and her gardens. She dedicated the song to the boy who had brought her the flowers, never knowing he would be elected to his first term as mayor ten years after her death and would continue in Hawai`i politics until about the time you and I were born.
I'm still trying to learn to play that song. |
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markwitz
`Olu`olu
USA
841 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 12:18:00 PM
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| Today, Sept 2nd, is Queen Lili'uokalani's birthday, by the way. Hau'oli la hanau, Lili'u! |
"The music of the Hawaiians, the most fascinating in the world, is still in my ears and
haunts me sleeping and waking."
Mark Twain |
Edited by - markwitz on 09/02/2010 12:57:12 PM |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 1:11:24 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Volcano
...a "modern" history of Hawaii starting with the introduction of Westerners to the Islands. Unfortunately anything previous is speculation.
Personally, I wouldn't want to say that to any kanaka who know the details of their ancestry, genealogy and history as passed down to them in oral form from previous generations. |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 1:44:55 PM
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| On a different tack, any cookbook that features local cuisine would be beneficial. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese, and native Hawaiian dishes would be featured as well as "haole" fare based on 19th century maritime culture (Pilot Biscuit, stew, li'dat). We are what we eat, guys. No fo'get da shave ice! |
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Volcano
Akahai
USA
89 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 1:45:47 PM
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Your point is well taken. However, the fact remains that early Hawaiian history is conjecture. Perhaps educated conjecture, but conjecture nonetheless. Unfortunately the sailors of the 18th and 19th century brought diseases like syphilis and measles which wiped out 90% of the population. Over the years, the remaining culture has been seriously diluted. The only written history before the missionaries brought their schools, were petroglyphs which only give an outline and nothing definitive. If you know of anyone who can say with certainty who and where the first Hawaiians came from, I would love to know, especially if they are on the Big Island.
There is much we know about before the first haoles arrived, but details have been lost unless you know something I don't. If you do, I would seriously appreciate being enlightened |
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alika207
Ha`aha`a
USA
1260 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 3:21:18 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by markwitz
For a couple of really good novels, I just recently read Alan Brennert's two great books "Moloka'i" and "Honolulu". Written with a historical perspective, I really enjoyed both of them.
'Ae! I love Moloka'i. Haven't read Honolulu yet, but I'll definitely check it out since I thought Moloka'i was very well written. |
He kehau ho'oma'ema'e ke aloha.
'Alika / Polinahe |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 3:49:04 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Volcano
However, the fact remains that early Hawaiian history is conjecture. --- The only written history before the missionaries brought their schools, were petroglyphs which only give an outline and nothing definitive.
I think my point is actually that it depends on what you have to have as your "history." If you require the written word that so many of us were taught in the Western world - you're right on the mark, Larry, since Hawaiian wasn't a written language for many generations back.
But when I hear knowledge-keepers of ancient cultures (Hawaiians, Indians, Australians, etc.) honor me by sharing what they consider their "history," it's real, not conjecture, myth, superstition or fable. It may not fit the definition of history that would satisfy my old school-teachers, but when you listen in a different way from how you were taught, you can glean the reality that you look for.
And unfortunately for the subject line, there's nothing on a reading list that will give you this kind of information. I'm pretty sure you know what I mean. |
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noeau
Ha`aha`a
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 5:00:21 PM
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Aww man you guys are doing it again. You getting me involved in something that is purely in the realm of opinion versus reality. For one, many books are out there that are helpful but must be taken with a grain of salt. Books by Kepelino and Malo originally written in Hawaiian and later translated into Haole are good sources. However the christian influence colors the presentation somewhat by being a little judgmental about Hawaiian cultural practices. The books sometimes seem apologetic for being Hawaiian in the first place. next on the list would be Legends and Myths by David Kalākaua a collection of stories about Hawaiʻi published by a man who was attempting to preserve what he saw as a dying culture. Hawaiian Mythology by Martha Beckwith a former Professor at the UH in its early days. Anything you can find by Fornander and Emerson. Nānā i ke Kumu by Pukui and LT Trust. Place Names by Pukui. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau by Pukui is a good source of sayings. The list could go on and on but these are a few that come to mind.
Now, to say that anything that is said about pre-contact Hawaiʻi is conjecture is a statement that is to be expected by a Westerner. The history of the Kānaka Maoli and stories about families and places are in the chants and the mele. Iʻm sure one can say that, well there are verses in songs where we find disagreement so how can we trust the accuracy of the chants and the mele? The answer is this: The differences are probably due to geographical location. Each island and area had their own versions of some things and these versions are true for the area where they reside. The lessons and the teachings are the crux of the matter and these things are passed from one generation to the next with an accuracy that baffles the human mind. Those of you who have not grown up in the islands would not understand this. And you will argue ad nauseum about how right you are about no knowledge could be found about pre-contact Hawaiʻi. Well these things are to be kept by our people and our people alone since many of these things are bound by kapu. And they are not meant to be published in a book that would be sold at the market place for profit. Also many stories told to outsiders were modified during the telling to meet the aforementioned restrictions. We pulled your leg so to speak. The Hawaiian people are also aware of the unscrupulous practices of anthropology and therefore would not reveal anything of real value because as a people we are not museum objects to be studied by scholars.
So, after having said that, if one chooses to "seriously study our culture" then go to Hawaiʻi and immerse yourself in the life there. Try to understand the changes that unconsciously brought about the near genocide of a people who were getting along in the world without the benefit of western technology.
Oh yeah, as for John Wilson donʻt forget to credit his mother for sending him to the palace in the first place. Mrs. Wilson was one of the Queenʻs ladies in waiting who was one of a handful of people who were allowed contact with the Queen during her imprisonment. Mrs. Wilsonʻs name is on the quilt that is displayed in the imprisonment room. Also after the flower gambit was discovered, a chanter would chant from the perimeter of the grounds all the daily news. The newbies could not understand what was being said because they refused to learn to speak Hawaiian. |
No'eau, eia au he mea pa'ani wale nō. |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 5:05:10 PM
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| Indeed. A`ohe pau ka `ike i ka hālau ho`okahi. |
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Volcano
Akahai
USA
89 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2010 : 5:28:26 PM
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Retro, That's a bit esoteric for me. Do you know any of these "knowledge keepers" for ancient Hawaiian history? I would very much like to meet one. I'm really not trying to be argumentative at all. It's just that anytime I have heard someone speak about early Hawaiian history it was with a caveat of "possibly." Can you tell me with any certainty where the first settlers came from or even when? My original point was in response to a comment regarding Shoal of Time and how it was incomplete as it started with Captain Cook. As it purports to be historical fact, how could it start earlier?
The sad fact is that the Hawaiian culture has been so diluted that it has to be relearned by most Hawaiians. Or maybe as a haole it's just hidden from me. I really think the former is closer to the truth. Even the term Hawaiian is measured by percentage of blood.
There is a good bit that is known about the culture before Captain Cook and there is some of that in the book but it's in the context of how it was changed by outside influence. To me, the changes have been so bizarre and convoluted that they led to the Kurt Vonnegut reference. What does persist and were conspicuously not in Shoal of Time, are the legends and worship of nature Gods and Goddesses. I've often witnessed prayers being given to Pele. But the exact origins of the religion are still unknown as far as I know. Honestly, if you something I don't or a source of information I would love to know about it. And believe me, I've listened in just any way you can think of. Even the music we all love has its structure in Western form. Guitars and ukes were introduced by the original paniolos, cowboys from Mexico and Portugal. The real Hawaiian chants bear little relationship to modern mele.
On a purely esoteric level, I do feel the natural power of the Big Island. Somehow I can also feel a connection to the past. When I stand on the edge of Kilauea in the middle of a clear night, and see billions of stars, the Milky Way, and a bright red glow from Halema'u ma'u, I can understand on a more primal level where it began. But that's not history. I think the missionaries did their job all too well as did the plantation and landowners who followed. |
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Reading List for those new to Hawaiian Culture
