Hawaii became a part of the United States in 1959. Hawaii is known for its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and tropical climate, and it is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. It is home to a rich cultural heritage originating from the native Polynesian inhabitants. Many of these traditions, including hula dancing, surfing, luaus and leis, are still in practice today.
Leis
Leis are wreaths of brightly colored, fragrant flowers that are strung on a strong cord. For many tourists, leis are their first taste of Hawaiian culture. Leis are customarily placed around the necks of Hawaiian vacationers as they exit the plane. In Hawaii, leis can symbolize either a greeting or a sentiment such as friendship or love. Hawaiians give leis to one another as gifts. Refusing a lei that is offered as a gift is considered to be impolite. Every May Hawaiians celebrate Lei Day, or May Day, with a series of festivities. The first May Day occurred in 1928.
Hula Dancing
Hula dancing is one of the most celebrated Hawaiian traditions. Although the dance's origins are unknown, it was believed to be sacred during the island's early history. The modern hula dance is performed more for entertainment. Hula dancers use symbolically representative movements to tell a story. Music made by instruments such as the guitar and the ukulele accompany the hula dancers. Hula dancers traditionally dress in grass skirts and wear leis around their necks.
Surfing
Surfing has come to symbolize the island of Hawaii. Surfing is a sport in which an individual uses a long, narrow board to ride atop ocean waves. Surfers use a variety of movements and techniques in order to control and manipulate their boards. By the time Captain James Cook first observed the sport in the late 1700s, surfing was already widely popular in Hawaii. When Europeans arrived in Hawaii, they saw the sport as being immoral. As a result, surfing in Hawaii gradually began to decline. However, Captain Cook documented the sport in his journals and the sport eventually spread throughout the world. In the 1950s, surfing became part of pop culture with the release of the movie "Gidget."
Luaus
The luau---a popular Hawaiian tourist activity---is a traditional form of celebration. Luaus are part feast and part show. Luaus traditionally celebrate events such as a young person's coming of age or the return of someone who has been away. While some are held indoors, most luaus occur at night on the beach. Luau feasts feature the popular dish Kalua Pork, fish, Mai Tai drinks, luau punch and fresh fruits. Entertainment is an important part of any luau. They often feature Hawaiian music, hula dancers and Samoan fire dancers.
Japanese Influences
The Japanese first arrived in Hawaii during the mid-1800s to work on the Hawaiian sugar plantations. Although they hoped to find work and a better way of life, plantation life was not what they had envisioned. They worked long hours for very low pay, and endured harsh conditions under the hot Hawaiian sun. Although many Japanese immigrants eventually returned home, some chose to remain in Hawaii. By the twentieth century, Hawaiians had adopted a number of Japanese customs, including sumo wrestling, lantern ceremonies and bon dances. Several Japanese dishes, including tempura, teriyaki, musabi and sushi, have also become popular in Hawaii.
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