Hawaii: The History Behind the Cuisine

Hawaii changed dramatically during the 1800s more than a century before Hawaii was officially declared the 50^th U.S. state on August 21, 1959. In the 1820s missionaries from New England arrived on Hawaii's island and brought with them a western influence; this was after the fall of the king of Hawaii, King Kamehameha. The native Hawaiian language began to become obsolete as the western influence affected the language, culture and once the Japanese immigrants arrived the cuisine would be altered as well.

In 1845 Honolulu became the capital of the kingdom of Hawaii; replacing Maui as the kingdom's capital. During this time Britain, the U.S., and France recognized the independent republic of Hawaii to be a gold mine due to the sugar plantations and other goods that were being traded. Several disagreements occurred during the reign of the new king, King Kamehameha III, who lived in Honolulu to oversee the trading of crops and other resources of the island; due to several unethical political discussions being made by Britain and France, the Kamehameha III turned the control of the islands to the U.S., in 1875.

In 1887 Hawaii allowed the U.S. to establish a naval base at Pearl Harbor; which is a well-known

Hawaii became an official republic in 1893 after Kamehameha III was overthrown once the interest into the sugar plantation increased; 7 years later in 1900 the U.S. annexed Hawaii and it became a U.S. territory.

Japanese Influence

In the 1880's Japanese immigrants migrated to Hawaii; most were recruited by agents who were sent to Japan to actively recruit mainly Japanese males to work the sugar plantation; the Japanese signed long-term contracts that provided very small compensation and tedious labor. Along with the Japanese immigrants were other ethnicities, such as Koreans, Filipinos, Chinese, African Americans and Portuguese immigrants. Total population: 1,288,198

White: 29.1%

White non-Hispanic: 24.7%

African American/Black: 2.9%

Asians: 39.9%

Native Hawaiians also known as Kamaaina: 8.9%

Hispanic/Latino: 8.2%

American Indians: 0.5%

More than two races: 18.6%

As you can see from the 2008 census the most predominate races are Asian 39.9%, White 29.1% and White non-Hispanic 24.7%. This is clearly the result the U.S. annex and Japanese immigration to Hawaii in the 1850s. The eastern Asian influence in Hawaii is unmistakable, just look at the census and you will see that history created the culture and cuisine Hawaii is known for today.

The Proof is in the Sushi

The influence of the Japanese cuisine in Hawaii continues to evolve; on the island of Oahu alone there are well over 100 Japanese restaurants. The Japanese -Hawaiians continue to create dishes with authentic flavors and ingredients; one of the favorites of both natives and tourist alike is sushi.

Sushi has gained popularity for its simplicity, variety and taste. Everyone can enjoy sushi, vegetarians, meat eaters and vegans can all experience the taste of history behind the Hawaiian cuisine.

For more information on Japanese-Hawaiian restaurants visit

http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/rest/oja.htm

References

U.S. Census Bureau. State and County QuickFacts Data derived from Population Estimates, Census of Population and Housing. (2008, July). Retrieved July 29, 2009, from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/15000.html

Takaki, Ronald. Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1989.

Hawaii. Life in a Plantation Society. (2004, Febuary). Retrieved July 29, 2009from http://memory.loc.gov/learn//features/immig/japanese2.html

annex. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.

Retrieved July 29, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annex