Asian Pacific American Heritage Series: Pacific Islanders

COCO CABRAL: 

What does PI stand for? Pacific Islanders. There are 3 sub-regions of Pacific Islanders: Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. 

(Image of map of three sub-regions) 

Each sub-region includes a list of different islands. Polynesia is composed of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand.

(Image of Polynesia region and islands) 

Each of these islands are unique to their own culture, language, history, and food. In Hawaii, there are a variety of multiracial people besides Hawaiians such as Asians, Samoans, and Tongans. 

(Image of a map of Hawaiian islands) 

Hawaii has a variety of traditional food such as poi, kalua pig, laulau, poke, lomi-lomi, chicken long rice, and pineapple. 

(Image of traditional Hawaiian food dishes) 

While growing up in Hawaii, we would have family gatherings either small or large for various events such as graduations, weddings, birthdays, or for people who are moving out of state. During these celebrations, we always prepare Hawaiian traditional food.

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I am often reminded of the importance of incorporating Hawaiian food during any type of celebrations. 

Another tradition during these celebrations is when a person receives the gift of a lei. Leis are commonly made with a variety of native flowers. It may be worn over your shoulders or around your head. 

Here is an example of a lei [holding a garland with orange and green ribbons]. 

This is not the traditional lei with flowers instead it was handmade by a Hawaiian woman with ribbons as a keepsake that will last longer than flowers. 

Leis are gifts for farewell, graduation, retirement, moving away, birthdays, and other celebrations. So, lei and traditional food are important for these celebrations. 

(Image of various kinds of leis) 

The gift of a lei is a valuable demonstration of cherish, love, and honor. 

If you want to visit Hawaii, it is important to honor their traditions and history. If you do plan to visit, it is best to wait until Covid-19 is over, then feel free to visit.