A Study of Hawaiian Culture Through Food
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Why Food?
Food is ingrained in all societies, as it is something we need every day of our lives. Often it is a reflection of traditions, as well as current and developing trends. Hawaii in particular has an interesting history to share which can be told through an examination of food.
Abstract
The history of traditional Hawaii combined with colonialism has culminated in an interesting melting pot of cultures; the most prominent influence coming from Polynesian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Puerto Rico, and Portuguese. Hawaiian food is a great combination of all these groups and is thus incredibly popular worldwide. This phenomenon is not limited to food, as clothing, language, and architecture among many other things went through drastic changes as outside influence grew. This examination of material culture helps us learn more about Hawaiian society.