Culture

Hawai`i's unique multi-cultural society offers an example to the world, yet it leaves residents with questions about our common identity, and the respect and tolerance we exhibit toward cultural identities that remain divided: kama`aina vs. malihini, local vs. haole, Kanaka Ma`oli vs. non-Native Hawaiian and divisions within Hawaiian culture regarding Native governance. Is there such a thing as an Aloha Spirit uniting all of us, and does it matter? Culture also raises questions about the role of the arts where Hawai`i has enjoyed significant attention on the world stage in music, dance, and, more recently, gastronomy. How should the arts be protected and nurtured, and should their care be promoted for their own sake, for their visible economic benefits, or their importance to our cultural way of life?

For discussion of these and related issues, please visit the Culture Section of the Sustainable Hawai`i Online Forums.

News & Events

coming soon

Community Conversations