Chapter 1- Cultural Origins and Ethnic Diversity

Kauai and the other islands of Hawaii are unique because of the ethnic diversity of its residents.  The 2010 census had about 23% of the population reporting multi-ethnic backgrounds.  It is a mixed plate of ethnic groups with a make up of 40% Asian, 23% White, 10% Hawaiian, 9% Hispanic and 2% Black.  Since Kauai and the islands have become home to different ethnic groups in the last 200 years, it has helped shape the culture today. 

The culture of Hawaii has its roots in the culture of the Native Hawaiians.  The majority of Native Hawaiians today has less than 50% pure Hawaiian blood.  The Hawaiian culture is filled with customs, music, legends, traditions and values. 

A common and well-known custom is the Lei flower.  It is offered graciously with a kiss and considered rude to remove in public, especially if removed in front of the person who gave it to you. 

The hula is a common dance of the Hawaiian culture.  It involves swaying hips, descriptive hand motions and colorful grass skirts.  There are two current forms of the hula, the hula kahiko (ancient) and the hula auana (modern).  The hula kahiko incorporates the Hawaiian language and the dance is used for story telling or ceremonial purposes.  The music accompanying the dance started off as simple drum beats and chants and has evolved to different genres including luau, jawaiian and kolohe. 

The Hawaiian Language consists of only five vowels and eight consonants.  Hawaiian has the shortest alphabet in the world.  Many words have multiple meanings or hidden meanings.  The Hawaiian Language is taught in schools to ensure the tradition of Hawaiian culture.  Unfortunately only about 1% of the population can speak the native tongue.