Hawaiian history and genealogy

Hawaiian history and genealogy focus on the lineage and heritage of the islands' indigenous people. Traditionally, Hawaiians valued oral histories to preserve their chiefs, ancestors, and cultural practices. Kings and chiefs, like King Kamehameha I, unified islands through warfare and diplomacy. European contact in the late 18th century brought significant change, including disease, colonization, and the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. Modern genealogy traces descent through oral traditions, family records, and DNA, helping Hawaiians reconnect with their cultural roots and history, while also acknowledging the changes caused by colonization and migration.