Cultural Context

Evolving in an environment consisting of vast expanses of ocean and dry land consisting of small, isolated islands, the Hawaiian developed a “world view” significantly different from those formulated by peoples of continental land masses. This Oceanic world view played a significant role in shaping the design and operational practices of the traditional Hawaiian Canoe.

The Ocean Is Home

The ocean was not perceived as an obstacle or barrier to be conquered, but rather as an essential and life-giving part of existence. This worldview inspired the design of watercraft that worked in harmony with the ocean, rather than seeking to dominate it. The canoe itself was a physical and spiritual expression of this relationship—a manifestation of the ancestral deity Kanaloa, who embodied the ocean’s power and provided both sustenance and freedom to the Hawaiian people.

Land Is The Chief

Dry land, consisting of isolated islands with limited natural resources, was not seen as something that could be possessed or disposed of by man. Dry land and Fresh Water were considered the essence of life. Hawaiians called the land on which they lived (‘Aina) or in English, “That which feeds.” Hawaiians have a famous saying, " He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka." Land is the Chief, man is its servant.

mans place

Man Is Not The Pinnacle of Creation

In the Hawaiian World View man was not placed at the center of the universe or the master of the world. Man was simply a part of the universe and intimately connected to everything in it. In the Polynesian social system the first born ( Hiapo) had special privileges and status along with responsibilities to guide and take care of younger siblings (Poki'i). The Poki'i, in return for the protection afforded by the Hiapo, served and attended to the needs of the Hiapo.

When the world was inhabited only by spirits, Wakea mated with Ho'ohokulani and to them was still born an immature fetus. This fetus was named Haloa and was buried near their house. In time a taro plant grew from where the fetus had been buried. Some time later a second child was born and this child became the ancestors of Humans. His name was also Haloa.

In this story Man is the younger sibling to the Taro and nature in general. In this Poki'i status man must be responsive to the needs of Nature and in turn Nature will protect and provide for Man.

Consciousness of the Universe and Duality of Nature

Embedded within the mo‘olelo (stories) and oli (chants) of the Native Hawaiian tradition are two core principles that profoundly influenced the design of the Hawaiian canoe. The first is the belief that everything in the world possesses consciousness, and the second is the understanding that all forces in nature exist in a state of duality. These ideas reflect a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all things and guided the way Hawaiians approached navigation, construction, and their relationship with the ocean.

Kumulipo: Consciousness of the Universe

The Kumulipo is one of three famous creation chants of the Hawaiian People. Built upon older chants but composed in its present form sometime around 1700, the Kumulipo traces the development of the Universe, the emergence of life and the creation of man.

Hawaiian Scholar and University professor Ruby Johnson says, "While it was not the intention of the Hawaiian priests who composed the Kumulipo to explain the universe in scientific terms, the Kumulipo is comparatively rational for its non-mystical treatment of biological relationships and cosmic time." It also forms the foundation for the cultural belief that everything in the universe is connected and that everything in the Universe has a consciousness.

Duality of Nature

It was apparent to early Hawaiians that things in nature appear in paired opposites and these opposites depend on each other to complete a function or create a whole. It is the balance or lack of balance between these natural forces that creates positive or negative conditions.

HawaiianWorld View And The Development Of Cultural Values

A worldview provides the social framework within which cultural values, such as what is good or what is bad, are defined. These values, in turn, shape the way individuals interact with one another and guide daily behavior and decision-making. On a canoe—where physical space is limited and individuals of varying temperaments are confined in close quarters—a shared set of values becomes essential for survival.

Cultural Bias and Misunderstanding

It is essential to recognize that cultural values are shaped by environment and worldview, not by universal or absolute standards. As an example, in Hawaiian thought, black is regarded as sacred because it symbolizes origin, depth, and a connection to the divine—reflected in the deep ocean and night sky, both of which are central to island life. In contrast, Western traditions often associate white with the sacred, but this difference does not suggest that one view is superior to the other. Instead, it underscores how diverse environments and cultural experiences shape meaning in different yet valid ways.

Similarly, hospitality in Hawaiian culture is described as cool and refreshing, a reflection of the comfort offered by shade, breezes, and water in a tropical climate. In many Western societies—particularly those in colder regions—hospitality is more commonly expressed as warmth. These expressions are equally meaningful, each shaped by the climate and lived experience of their respective cultures.

Following the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778, and later waves of Western merchants, whalers, and missionaries, many aspects of Hawaiian culture were misinterpreted, dismissed, or condemned by outsiders unfamiliar with the spiritual and environmental context of the islands. This cultural disconnect led to misunderstandings and marginalization—conflicts that continue to reverberate today.