Hawai‘i History

To us the charm of Hawaii can be found in the small towns that people pass through on their way to Haleakala and the Hana Highway, tucked away in the back of strip malls and off the main streets. Here you find the people who love The Hawaiian Islands for their soul.
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Check out our tidbits of Hawaiian History, we will be posting a new section during the first week every month. If you have an interesting bit of history to share, please send it to us and we will post it with your name. If it is a family history and you have pictures, send them as well (in jpeg or gif format)


Alexander Baldwin Museum
 
 

Hawai'i History 101

The Hawaiian Islands were "discovered" more than once, first in the eighth century A.D. by the Polynesians and then in 1755 by the English sea captain James Cook.

The Polynesians used 100 ft hollow-log canoes that were capable of sustaining 60 to 100 people for extended voyages. Fleets of these outrigger canoes, some lashed together would sail out to explore the oceans, using the natural elements to steer by and the wind and paddle power they often voyaged up to 100 miles per day.

Sometimes stopping on an island to grow more supplies, they were virtually a floating city, taking women, children and animals on these trips. Contrary to what you might believe growing food wasn't as easy as it appears. The higher elevations that received rain were not as difficult to farm as the low lands where irrigation methods were used to provide needed moisture. The tradition of working at night and resting during the hot day was a necessity; unfortunately it made the natives look pretty lazy to the English who had totally different concepts of work.

After settlement the Hawaiian Islands a lively commerce with Tahiti was in effect for about 200 years, then trade fell off until the "re-discovery" by Captain Cook.

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Disclaimer: The information contained within these pages is meant only as a general guide as to what to expect when visiting Hawai'i. This information is kept as up-to-date as possible. Since weather and environmental conditions may change quickly, it is always prudent to take into consideration weather and environmental conditions when planning any activity.
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