Hawaii’s cultural resurgence was not a single event but two distinct, powerful movements
In short: The Hawaiian Renaissance is often remembered as a 1970s explosion of music and voyaging, but it actually began a century earlier. King Kalākaua first sought to reclaim a national identity against colonial influence, setting the stage for the modern revival that redefined Hawaiian self-identity and political activism.
The First Hawaiian Renaissance emerged from the nationalist vision of King Kamehameha V, who sought to build a contemporary identity independent of British or American models. King Kalākaua, who rose to power amid internal tensions between noble supporters and commoners favoring Queen Emma, became the movement's primary architect. He actively challenged the influence of missionaries' descendants, who held significant power through land ownership. By replacing the national anthem with 'Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī' in 1876 and rebuilding ʻIolani Palace between 1879 and 1882, he solidified a distinct Hawaiian presence in urban life.
Kalākaua’s efforts were deeply rooted in traditional practices that had been suppressed for decades. In 1883, he hosted a second coronation to bridge racial divides, showcasing hula—which had been banned since 1830—alongside traditional sports, chants, and royal rituals. He also commissioned the recording of myths and genealogies, such as the Kumulipo, ensuring that Hawaiian heritage was preserved in media. Despite his popularity among the people, his prioritization of native culture over missionary interests created lasting friction with the haole population.
The Second Hawaiian Renaissance, beginning in 1970, drew inspiration from the 1964 essay 'On Being Hawaiian' by John Dominis Holt, IV, which countered decades of negative stereotypes. This era was defined by a surge in cultural and political activism, including the revival of the Hawaiian language, traditional crafts, and loʻi kalo farming. The movement also saw the rise of iconic musicians like Gabby Pahinui and the falsetto trio Hui ʻOhana, while the 1975 construction of the Hōkūleʻa canoe by the Polynesian Voyaging Society revitalized non-instrument wayfinding.
Politically, this period led to the 1978 Constitution and the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. It was marked by intense land struggles, such as those at Kalama Valley and Kahoʻolawe, alongside a broader commitment to mālama ʻāina, or land healing. While the movement’s peak is generally cited as the 1970s, its influence on biocultural restoration remains a global model for sustainability today.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Hawaiian Renaissance
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-hawaiian-renaissance.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Modern (1800-1945) · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
