How Hawaii’S Language Is Threatened By Tourists?

Waikiki, a popular tourist destination on Oahu’s South Shore, is a key focus for millions of tourists due to its white sands and postcard-perfect beaches. However, the delicate balance between tourism, culture, and the environment is being challenged by the growing number of native speakers. The Hawaiian language, which nearly went extinct due to foreign diseases, is now being taught in dozens of immersion schools.

The tourism industry in Hawaii has displaced Native Hawaiians by driving up costs, but it also offers opportunities for cultural exchange that can benefit Hawaiʻi and contribute to cultural preservation if recognized and strategically. The current tourism landscape is detrimental to the life, well-being, and spiritual health of native Hawaiian people, as a large tourist population reduces their ability to practice their own cultural traditions without stereotypes being used as a tagline. Over 20% of existing languages are threatened, but regenerative tourism could help save these Indigenous languages.

The travel industry in Hawaii is experiencing a trend towards more authentic tourism, which reintegrates Hawaiian culture into visitors’ experiences. However, the monetary influx of tourism can displace the native population, intrudes on their sacred land, and interferes with each household’s economic stability. The tourism industry in Hawaii powers its state revenue, but its reliance on tourism has resulted in Native Hawaiians getting priced out of their homes.

In conclusion, the balance between tourism, culture, and the environment is being challenged by the increasing number of native speakers and the reliance on tourism. Regenerative tourism could help save these Indigenous languages and promote a more authentic tourism experience for visitors.

Why is hula so important to the Hawaiian culture?

Hula is a sensuous Hawaiian dance performed with undulating gestures to instruments and chant. Originally a religious dance, it was performed by trained dancers to promote fecundity, honor the gods, or praise the chiefs. Women wore short skirts (pa‘u s) and men tapa loincloths (malo s). In 1820, New England missionaries forced native women to wear long dresses (holoku s), resulting in a loss of sensuality. The music was expanded under the influence of hymns and the machada, a small guitar that developed into the ukelele.

Contemporary hula, known as hula ‘auana, tells stories through sinuous movements of the limbs and hips, with costumes ranging from raffia skirts to bright cellophane. Music for hula ‘auana is based on Western models and uses instruments like the ukelele and steel guitar. Old-style hula, called hula kahiko, exhibits a less elaborate musical style and is accompanied by traditional instruments like the calabash, seed-filled gourds, split bamboo sticks, stones used as castanets, and pahu drums.

Why is the Hawaiian language threatened?

The Hawaiian language and culture were severely suppressed by the US after the 1893 overthrow of the government and subsequent annexation. By the 1980s, only a few hundred native Hawaiian speakers remained, and the language was on the brink of extinction. An endangered language is at risk of disappearing or becoming extinct due to factors such as a lack of speakers, government policies promoting a dominant language, and social pressures to adopt a different language. A certified copy of a birth certificate is often required for legal purposes, such as obtaining a passport or applying for government benefits.

How does tourism affect Hawaiians?

Tourism has become a new form of exploitation, causing significant harm to the Native Hawaiian people, who face threats to their culture, beaches, and sacred sites due to the development of tourist resorts. Rev. Patterson, a member of the Hawaii Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism and the North America Coordinating Centre of Responsible Tourism, highlights the pressing human rights issues in Hawaii today, which are integrally connected to the impact of tourism on Native Hawaiians.

As a pastor of a small rural church on Kauai, Patterson has witnessed the desecration of sacred places, pollution of reefs and rivers, and the oppression and exploitation of an out-of-control global industry. He has held picket signs, given testimony at public hearings, and even chased an obstinate tourist into a local restaurant to vent his anger. The most pressing human rights issues in Hawaii today are those connected to the impact of tourism on Native Hawaiians.

Do Hawaiians have their own language?

The Hawaiian language, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is the indigenous language of Hawaiʻi and the official language of the state along with English. It has been the language of the Kānaka ʻŌiwi for centuries. The language faced significant challenges, including an outright ban by the US in 1896. Revitalizing the Hawaiian language is crucial for preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture. It allows people to connect with ancestors, understand stories, and appreciate traditions.

Learning and using the Hawaiian language can deepen understanding of the environment and the interconnections between people and nature. Supporting the language and culture can be achieved by learning common terms, practicing basic greetings, and listening to pronunciation.

What is the controversy of tourism in Hawaii?

The island of Hawaiʻi has experienced a significant drop in tourism due to its ongoing healing and rebuilding efforts. This has resulted in a significant loss of employment for residents in the hospitality and tourism sector, which accounts for over 50% of the island’s jobs. Research by Dr. Jerry Agrusa indicates that residents are keen on regenerative tourism, offering culturally-inspired activities and a shift towards viewing Hawaiʻi as more than just a beach destination.

Could Hawaii survive without tourism?

Hawaii’s tourism dynamics are unsustainable, with the state’s economic survival dependent on tourists. Despite decades of efforts to re-envision the state as a more diverse place, tourism continues to grow, leaving the state vulnerable to negative impacts and economic shocks. Despite attempts to pivot from Hawaii tourism, these efforts have largely failed, as overreliance will continue to negatively impact the environment, life quality, and the economy. The state must adapt to changing tourism dynamics to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Is Hawaii still struggling with tourism?

The Hawaii Tourism Authority reports a decline in visitor numbers and spending since the August 2023 wildfires. In June, the number of visitors to Maui was down 22 compared to June 2023, and visitor spending was down 27. The 216, 065 visitors in June were more than the 94, 221 in September, but 22 fewer than the 276, 136 in June 2023. The situation could worsen with the traditionally slow fall travel season on the horizon, with projections suggesting the softness could persist until March or April next year.

How did tourism in Hawaii impact Hula?

Over the past two centuries, Hawaiian dance has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a sacred religious practice to a tourist attraction. However, this evolution has not been without challenges, with the practice facing issues such as cultural appropriation and near erasure. A gathering of individuals can be observed congregating around a hula performance on Waikīkī Beach in Honolulu.

What are the negative effects of tourism on culture?

Heavy traffic in a region can lead to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and diseases among tourists and locals. The introduction of outsiders can disturb local culture and create unrest. The locals may adopt tourist lifestyles, resulting in the loss of native customs and traditions. Criminal activities may also occur to make money from tourists, leading to increased crime and anti-social activities. The travel industry’s impact on the environment is both positive and negative, affecting the surrounding atmosphere and affecting the world and country’s economics.

Why is the Hawaiian language threatened?

The Hawaiian language was on the brink of extinction in 1896 as a result of significant external influences that undermined the preservation of native culture and traditions. This led to a decline in the language and the associated practices.

What is the biggest threat to Hawaii?

The climate of Hawaii is undergoing significant changes, with rising air temperatures and ocean acidity causing damage to coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. Over the course of the past century, temperatures have increased by half to one degree.