The History of Honolulu
Honolulu celebrates and shares its rich and varied cultural history with visitors and tourists by with historical festivals and art and historical museums. To truly appreciate the island culture, you will want to take some time to visit some of these museums and historical landmarks found around the island.
Polynesian seamen from other parts of the Pacific originally settled the Hawaiian Islands. Two different groups, from different parts of the Pacific, migrated to the Islands we now call Hawaii. The first group arrived around 600-750 A.D. They came from Marquesas and brought their culture with them. The second group arrived later, around 1100 A.D. They came from the Society Islands, bringing their culture. The islands were divided into small kingdoms, each with their own customs, politics, and rulers.
It wasn’t until the late 1700s when Captain James Cook arrived from England, that Western influence was felt. English influence changed life in the Islands. Among other things, firearms, metal, and new diseases that killed many islanders were introduced. Missionaries also arrived, bringing the influence of Christianity.
In the early 1800s sugar can and pineapple plantations were established. When the islands couldn’t provide enough workers for the plantations, owners recruited migrant workers from China, Japan, Russia, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. This brought many more cultures into the mix of island diversity. Today many more crops are grown and the large plantations have dwindled. However, tourists can visit Plantation Village at Waipahu to get a glimpse of what plantation camp life was like.
In the early 1900s, luxury hotels began to appear along the coastline today known as Waikiki, drawing the rich and famous to the near perfect tropical climate. These resorts have all the amenities you would imagine, including pools, large rooms and the highest quality guest beds.Today the Honolulu travel industry has made it possible for many people on many budget levels to enjoy island culture and climate. Package deals and budget lodging are available for people who take the time to research vacation deals.
Hawaiians are anxious to share their rich cultural heritage. Take some time to visit the coastal vacation area and a few historical museums to better understand the history of the area.