Oceania (Hawaiian) Art and Culture

Hawaii ( the Big Island), Kauai, Kaholawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau and Oahu make up the last great island nation. This collection of eight beautiful islands which have developed both a culture and art that is as spectacular as the islands. 

The Hawaiian culture is so intertwined that there are few pure blooded Hawaiians left. Those that are carry the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. The original inhabitants of Hawaii were the Polynesians. Between 300-800 CE they sailed from the other islands in the South Pacific and reached the island chain. 

Culture: 

Hula: Was and still is a traditional dance in the Hawaiian Islands. Originally, the dance was used to tell epic tails, mythology, and stories. The dancers trained for long periods of time and were paied vary well by the upper cast and by the king or ali'i. 

Surfing: The ancient Hawaiians used surfing to settle and decide multiple things, most importantly they used surfing during disagreements between chiefs and tribes. A ancient Hawaiian historian named Kepelino said:

"Expert surfers going upland to farm, if part way up perhaps they look back and see the rollers combing the beach, will leave their work ... then hurrying away home, they will pick up the board and go. All thought of work is at an end, only that of sport is left. The wife may go hungry, the children, the whole family, but the head of the house does not care. He is all for sport, that is his food."

Art: 

Hawaiian Rock Carvings: One of the major art developments in Hawaii is now barely viable. The Rock Carvings can be found on the island of Lanai, on the coast line. There are 20 boulders with over 400 petroglyph of humans, deer, and other animals carved into them. It says that the humans are not humans, but gods. The petroglyph were used in a ceremonial traditions to remember certain religious events in the Hawaiian culture.