Hawaiiana

Hawaiiana refers to the collection, study, preservation, and promotion of objects, traditions, customs, and arts related to the Hawaiian Islands and its culture. The term encompasses a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to:

• Material Culture: Artifacts such as clothing, tools, weapons, musical instruments, and other objects created and used by native Hawaiians and those living in the islands.
• Performing Arts: Hula, music, chant (oli), and other forms of traditional performance.
• Language and Literature: The Hawaiian language, its grammar, vocabulary, and written works, including moʻolelo (stories), poetry (mele), and historical accounts.
• History: The history of the Hawaiian Islands from ancient times to the present day, including the monarchy period, annexation, and statehood. This includes significant events, figures, and cultural shifts.
• Folklore and Mythology: Myths, legends, and traditional beliefs of the Hawaiian people, including stories of gods (akua), demigods (kupua), and ancestral figures.
• Natural History: The unique flora and fauna of the Hawaiian Islands and their cultural significance.
• Genealogy (Moʻokūʻauhau): The tracing and recording of family lineages and ancestral connections, an important aspect of Hawaiian identity.
• Contemporary Arts and Culture: Modern expressions of Hawaiian identity in art, music, literature, and other creative fields.

Hawaiiana is a significant field of study and appreciation for those interested in preserving and understanding the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii. Collectors, researchers, and practitioners contribute to the ongoing documentation and perpetuation of Hawaiiana.