Communicating Hawaiian Identity: Understanding Cultural Identity Through Themes in Family Narratives

Abstract

Cultural identities play a substantial role in our behaviors, relationships, and communities. Approaches to understanding cultural identity include concepts such as physical appearance, blood quantum, and acculturation. Another concept that is known to impact cultural identity formation and maintenance is family narrative. Hawaiian cultural identity is a topic commonly discussed and debated among scholars. However, research exploring family narratives and Hawaiian cultural identity is limited. Using a qualitative semi-structured interview method, information on memorable family stories among a group of 21 Native Hawaiians were gathered. A total of seven themes that assist in the transmission of Hawaiian cultural identity including Kuleana, Aloha, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Mahalo, Mea kalakupua, Koko, and Kapu were identified within memorable family narratives. The Mahalo theme was associated with differences in reported cultural affiliation. Results reinforce the importance of sharing moʻolelo in families and offer storytelling as an additional approach to understanding Hawaiian cultural affiliation. Keywords: Cultural identity, Hawaiian, family, narratives