History
Ancient Polynesian settlers
Oahu has had a central and influential role in the history of the Hawaiian Islands. While it is known that the original Hawaiian people canoed across the Pacific Ocean, it is not known exactly who the settlers were; however, many say that in Oahu history, it is the Tahitians who first arrived and finally settled in Oahu in 500 AD. These early settlers from Polynesia repeatedly sailed 2700 miles back and forth from there homeland to Oahu to bring more people and supplies. The island of Oahu was unified with the remaining Hawaiian islands in 1810 by King Kamehameha I, later known as Kamehameha the Great. Oahu was permanently established as the base of the Hawaiian Kingdom's by Kind Kamehameha III as Honolulu became the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom on 1845. There were a number of different palaces built in Honolulu by different Hawaiian monarchs throughout the Kingdom's history. Many of these palaces today are main attractions for Hawaiian tourists. The last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii was Queen Liliuokalani before the American colonialism over the Kingdom in 1893. In 1898, Hawaii became a territory of the United States.
Kamehameha the Great, the first king of the Kingdom of Hawaii
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Queen Liliuokalani, the last queen of the Kingdom of Hawaii before American colonialist
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Culture
Tradiational handicrafts in a local store
The culture of Oahu today is very diverse as it has become a blend of the traditions of the Native Hawaiian people and the traditions of the diverse ethnicities that have moved and lived in Hawaii. The main contribution to the culture of Oahu and Hawaii and general is that of the Polynesian people that first settled in the area. The Polynesians have strong ties to fishing and that has impacted the culture of Oahu today as many people continue to make their living today by fishing in oahu. Additionally, the Polynesians are well known for their handmade arts and crafts, such as wooden handicrafts, which can today be found for sale in numerous stores and local vendors. Furthermore, religion and spirituality has played a big role in the culture of Oahu. Whether it be that many people today continue to practice a multi-deity belief system or that respect for the earth is a major part of the culture, it can very easily be seen that there is a sense of spirituality in the culture of Oahu. In general, the culture and lifestyle of Oahu is known to be at a slower pace and laid back and people believe that life's moments should be savored and treasured. Overall, Oahu today is a mix of the past and present that is very much so reflected in its culture and traditions, all bond together by the spirit of aloha.
Men performing tradition Polynesian dance
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Women taking Hula lessions
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Polynesian Cultural Center
