Hawaiian literature encompasses the written and oral artistic works produced by the peoples of the Hawaiian Islands. It includes both traditional oral narratives created by Native Hawaiians and modern literary works composed in Hawaiian, English, and other languages spoken in the archipelago.
Traditional Oral Literature
- Mele: Songs and chants that convey genealogies, myths, legends, historical events, and religious practices. Types include mele inoa (name chants), mele kahiko (ancient chants), and mele hula (dance songs).
- Mo‘olelo: Narrative tales that retell the exploits of chiefs, gods, and historic events. These were transmitted orally across generations before being recorded by early missionaries and scholars.
- Kumulipo: A seminal creation chant dating to the early 18th century, cataloguing genealogies and cosmology over 2,200 verses. It is regarded as a foundational text of Hawaiian oral tradition.
Transition to Written Forms
- The introduction of a written alphabet by American missionaries in the 1820s enabled the transcription of oral material. Early printed works include collections of mele and mo‘olelo compiled by figures such as Rev. Hiram Bingham I and later scholars like Mary Kawena Pukui.
- The first known novel written in Hawaiian, Ke Aloha O Ka ‘Āina (1847) by Reverend James Macrae, marked an early foray into prose literature.
20th‑Century Development
- Revival Movement: Post‑World War II cultural renaissance emphasized Hawaiian language preservation, leading to a surge in poetry, short stories, and plays written in Hawaiian. Notable contributors include poet Kimo W. B. Kahiʻai, novelist Jack London (who lived in Hawaii and incorporated local settings), and playwright Lee M. Bane.
- English‑Language Works: Authors such as Katherine M. H. Anne and S. Ka‘i produced fiction and poetry that explored Hawaiian identity, colonial impact, and diaspora experiences.
Contemporary Literature
- Hawaiian Language: Modern writers continue to expand the literary corpus with works ranging from poetry (kaona—layered meaning) to experimental prose. Publications such as Kaona journal promote new Hawaiian‑language writing.
- Multilingual Works: A growing number of authors blend Hawaiian, English, and Pidgin (Hawaiian Creole English) to reflect the islands’ linguistic landscape. Notable figures include Haunani-Kay Trask (essays and poetry) and Kiana Davenport (novels).
- Literary Awards: The Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards and the Kauwela Hall of Fame recognize outstanding contributions to Hawaiian literature in both language mediums.
Themes and Characteristics
- Connection to Land (‘Āina): Emphasis on the spiritual and physical relationship between people and the environment.
- Genealogy and Ancestry: Frequent references to lineage and familial ties, reflecting the importance of ‘ohana.
- Cultural Resilience: Exploration of colonization, cultural loss, and revitalization efforts.
- Oral Aesthetics: Use of rhythmic structures, repetition, and layered meanings inherited from chant traditions.
Academic Study
- Hawaiian literature is a field of study within Pacific literature, indigenous studies, and comparative literature departments. Research focuses on textual analysis, oral transmission methods, and the impact of language revitalization policies.
Resources
- University of Hawaiʻi Press publishes critical editions and scholarly works on Hawaiian literary texts.
- The Hawaiian Historical Society maintains archives of early manuscripts and oral recordings.
- Mānoa Digital Library provides digitized versions of historic Hawaiian-language publications.
Overall, Hawaiian literature represents a dynamic continuum from ancient chants and legends to contemporary creative expression, reflecting the cultural, linguistic, and historical evolution of the Hawaiian Islands.
