THE HAWAIIANS
The first Hawaiians were Polynesians from a small group of islands south of Hawaii called the Marquesas. They came to the islands now known as Hawaii in 300-750 A.D., perhaps looking for new land or perhaps they had lost a war. They came across the ocean in big double canoes.
THE CAUCASIANS
James Cook was the first European Caucasian to land on Hawaii's shores in 1778, opening the way for Europeans to come to Hawaii for further exploration, trading and whale hunting. They brought livestock, manufactured goods, and plants of other countries. By 1818 Europeans were trading with Hawaiians on a regular basis for sandalwood. By 1820 missionaries were coming to spread Christianity. In 1835 the first sugar cane plantation began operating in Koloa, Kauai, owned by the American firm of Ladd & Company.
THE CHINESE
On Jan. 3,1852 the first group of Chinese immigrants arrived in Hawaii. There were not enough Hawaiians to work the sugar plantations so the owners of the plantations brought in laborers from other countries. The Chinese became very important vegetable growers. They introduced vegetables that the Hawaiians and Caucasians liked. The vegetables they introduced are Chinese peas, long beans, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, mustard cabbage, and bitter melon. Since the climate in South China and Hawaii were about the same the Chinese brought over similar plants such as lychee, bamboo, pomelo, chrysanthemum, longun, and apple bannana.
THE PORTUGUESE
In 1878 the first Portuguese came to Hawaii. They came because they were told jobs were plentiful. Land was available to buy and no fee was charged for passage. Suitable lodging and free medical service was offered.
THE JAPANESE
In 1886 the first arrivals from Japan come to Hawaii to work in the sugar cane fields. Then between 1886 and 1924 180,000 more Japanese came to Hawaii. They intended to stay a short while and to return home to Japan rich.
THE OKINAWANS
In 1900, the first Okinawan immigrants arrive. A second wave of immigration occurs in 1946, following World War II.
THE PUERTO RICANS
The first group of Puerto Ricans also arrives in 1900, following the annexation of Puerto Rico to the United States in 1898.
THE KOREANS
Korean immigration begins in 1903. Korean immigrants arrive aboard the S.S. Gaelic. Some 7,843 Koreans arrive until the Korean government stops emigration in 1905, due to reports of mistreatment of Koreans in Mexico. From 1921-1925, Korean brides arrive in Hawaii.
THE SPANISH
A shipload of 2,250 Spaniards arrive in 1907 from Malaga to work on the plantations.
THE FILIPINOS
In 1906 15 Filipinos arrived hoping to return to their homeland rich. One hundred fifty more arrived the following year. An additional 18, 144 Filipinos arrive by 1916
Go back to The Ukulele Biography
Resources:
"Hawaii", World Book Encyclopedia, 1999, Vol. 9, pgs.106-108.
Hawaiians of Old by Betty Dunford, 1990, Bess Press, pgs. 20-22.
Sugar Roots
/J003466/index. html
History of Hawaii
http://www.lava.net/~poda/history.html