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Top 10 Celebrities Embracing Native Hawaiian Roots

6 min read January 24, 2024

Native Hawaiians have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, sports, politics, and entertainment. Here are 10 notable celebrities and individuals of Native Hawaiian ancestry:

  • Jason Momoa: Actor known for his roles in “Aquaman,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Stargate Atlantis.” He is also an advocate for environmental and social justice causes.
  • Bruno Mars: Singer, songwriter, and producer known for hits like “Uptown Funk,” “Grenade,” and “Just the Way You Are.” He has won multiple Grammy Awards and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
  • Auli’i Cravalho: Actress and singer who voiced the character of Moana in the Disney animated film. She is also known for her role in the television series “Rise.”
  • Nicole Scherzinger: Singer, songwriter, and dancer known for her time as a member of the girl group The Pussycat Dolls. She has also had a successful solo career and has appeared on television shows like “Dancing with the Stars.”
  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Actor, producer, and former professional wrestler. He is one of the highest-paid actors in the world and is known for his roles in films like “Fast & Furious,” “Jumanji,” and “Moana.”
  • Keanu Reeves: Actor known for his roles in films like “The Matrix,” “John Wick,” and “Speed.” He is also a producer and has his own production company, Company Films.
  • Kalani Robb: Surfer and model who is considered one of the greatest female surfers of all time. She has won multiple world championships and is known for her powerful style and aggressive surfing.
  • Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: Singer, songwriter, and musician known for his unique interpretations of Hawaiian music. He is best known for his rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and his album “Facing Future.”
  • Don Ho: Singer, entertainer, and television personality known as the “King of Waikiki.” He was a popular performer in Hawaii and had a successful career in Las Vegas. He is also known for his signature song, “Tiny Bubbles.”
  • Bumpy Kanahele: Slack-key guitarist and singer known for his mastery of the traditional Hawaiian guitar style. He has released multiple albums and has performed around the world.
Native Hawaiians (also known as Indigenous Hawaiians, Kānaka Maoli, Aboriginal Hawaiians, or simply Hawaiians; Hawaiian: kānaka, kānaka ʻōiwi, kānaka maoli, and Hawaiʻi maoli) are the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii was settled at least 800 years ago with the voyage of Polynesians from the Society Islands. The settlers gradually became detached from their original homeland and developed a distinct Hawaiian culture and identity in their new isolated home. That included the creation of new religious and cultural structures, mostly in response to the new living environment and the need for a structured belief system through which to pass on knowledge. Hence, the Hawaiian religion focuses on ways to live and relate to the land and instills a sense of communal living as well as a specialized spatial awareness. The Hawaiian Kingdom was formed in 1795, when Kamehameha the Great, of the independent island of Hawaiʻi, conquered the independent islands of Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi and unified them. In 1810, the whole Hawaiian archipelago became unified when Kauaʻi and Niʻihau joined the Kingdom. The Kingdom saw an influx of immigrants from the United States and Asia. The Kingdom became a Republic following its overthrow in 1893, and was annexed by the United States in 1898. An ongoing Hawaiian sovereignty movement exists seeking autonomy or independence for the state of Hawaii. In the 2010 U.S. census, People with Native Hawaiian ancestry reported as residents in all 50 of the U.S. States, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Within the U.S. in 2010 540,013 residents reported Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander alone in 2010, of which 135,422 lived in the State of Hawaii. In the United States overall, 1.2 million people identified as Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, either alone or in combination with one or more other races. The Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population was one of the fastest-growing race groups between 2000 and 2010 in the United States.

Most Famous Native Hawaiian People

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Native Hawaiian Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Native Hawaiian community is a rich and vibrant group with a strong sense of cultural identity and history. The Native Hawaiian people are the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands, and they have a unique cultural heritage that sets them apart from other Native American and indigenous communities. Throughout history, there have been several important historical inheritances associated with the Native Hawaiian heritage that have had a significant impact on the community.

1. Language and Oral Traditions: One of the most treasured aspects of the Native Hawaiian heritage is the Hawaiian language and the oral traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Hawaiian language, known as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is a Polynesian language that is still spoken by members of the Native Hawaiian community today. The language is heavily tied to the culture and history of the islands, and efforts have been made to revitalize and preserve it. The oral traditions, including mele (chants) and moʻolelo (stories), play a vital role in passing down the knowledge and wisdom of the ancestors.

  • The Hawaiian language, known as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is still spoken by members of the Native Hawaiian community today.
  • Efforts have been made to revitalize and preserve the Hawaiian language.
  • Oral traditions, such as mele (chants) and moʻolelo (stories), play a vital role in passing down ancestral knowledge.

2. Navigation and Wayfinding: The Native Hawaiians have a deep connection to the ocean and possess a remarkable understanding of navigation and wayfinding. For centuries, the Native Hawaiian people have been skilled seafarers, using celestial navigation and natural signs to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean. This knowledge was passed down through generations and was crucial in their exploration and settlement of new islands. Today, efforts are being made to revive traditional navigation techniques, such as the art of sailing using traditional canoes known as waʻa, and to pass on these skills to future generations.

  • The Native Hawaiians have a deep connection to the ocean.
  • They possess a remarkable understanding of navigation and wayfinding.
  • Traditional navigation techniques, such as sailing with waʻa, are being revived and passed on.
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3. Connection to the Land: The Native Hawaiians have a profound respect and connection to the land, known as ʻāina. The land is seen as a sacred and living entity, providing sustenance, shelter, and spiritual nourishment. For the Native Hawaiian people, caring for the land is not only a cultural practice but also a responsibility passed down through generations. Practices such as ahupuaʻa (land division) and mālama ʻāina (caring for the land) encompass sustainable land use and resource management, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the bounty of the land.

  • The Native Hawaiians have a profound respect and connection to the land.
  • The land, known as ʻāina, is seen as a sacred and living entity.
  • Practices like ahupuaʻa and mālama ʻāina encompass sustainable land use and resource management.

The Native Hawaiian community’s historical inheritances, including their language and oral traditions, navigation and wayfinding skills, and connection to the land, are just a glimpse into the richness and depth of their cultural heritage. These inheritances are a testament to the resilience and wisdom of the Native Hawaiian people and continue to shape and inspire the community today.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Pitcairn islander, Niuean and Izon roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

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Factsheet About Native Hawaiian People

Fact Native Hawaiian
Total Population 527,000
Percentage of Total Population 1.6%
Median Age 30.2 years
Life Expectancy 81.9 years
Educational Attainment (25 years and older)
  • High School Diploma: 84.7%
  • Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 21.2%
Geographic Distribution
  • Hawaii: 378,000
  • California: 73,000
  • Washington: 18,000
  • Oregon: 11,000
  • Other States: 47,000
Native Hawaiians (also known as Indigenous Hawaiians, Kānaka Maoli, Aboriginal Hawaiians, or simply Hawaiians; Hawaiian: kānaka, kānaka ʻōiwi, kānaka maoli, and Hawaiʻi maoli) are the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii was settled at least 800 years ago with the voyage of Polynesians from the Society Islands. The settlers gradually became detached from their original homeland and developed a distinct Hawaiian culture and identity in their new isolated home. That included the creation of new religious and cultural structures, mostly in response to the new living environment and the need for a structured belief system through which to pass on knowledge. Hence, the Hawaiian religion focuses on ways to live and relate to the land and instills a sense of communal living as well as a specialized spatial awareness. The Hawaiian Kingdom was formed in 1795, when Kamehameha the Great, of the independent island of Hawaiʻi, conquered the independent islands of Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi and unified them. In 1810, the whole Hawaiian archipelago became unified when Kauaʻi and Niʻihau joined the Kingdom. The Kingdom saw an influx of immigrants from the United States and Asia. The Kingdom became a Republic following its overthrow in 1893, and was annexed by the United States in 1898. An ongoing Hawaiian sovereignty movement exists seeking autonomy or independence for the state of Hawaii. In the 2010 U.S. census, People with Native Hawaiian ancestry reported as residents in all 50 of the U.S. States, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Within the U.S. in 2010 540,013 residents reported Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander alone in 2010, of which 135,422 lived in the State of Hawaii. In the United States overall, 1.2 million people identified as Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, either alone or in combination with one or more other races. The Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population was one of the fastest-growing race groups between 2000 and 2010 in the United States.

The Ancient Heritage of Native Hawaiian Ethnic Groups

References to the Native Hawaiian Ethnic Group

When it comes to learning more about the Native Hawaiian ethnic group, there are several references and resources available that can provide a deeper understanding of their culture, history, and contributions. Here are some key sources to consider:

  • Books:
    • Kanahele, George H. (1999). “Hawaiian Music and Musicians: An Encyclopedic History”. Honolulu: Mutual Publishing.
    • Osorio, Jon Kamakawiwoʻole. (2002). “Dismembering Lahui: A History of the Hawaiian Nation to 1887”. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
    • Trask, Haunani-Kay. (1999). “From a Native Daughter: Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawaii”. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
  • Documentaries and Films:
    • “Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau” – a documentary on the life and legacy of Eddie Aikau, a Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard.
    • “Nā Kamalei: The Men of Hula” – a documentary that examines the traditional Hawaiian dance form known as hula.
    • “Kapa Haka: The Dance of the Maori” – a film that explores the indigenous Maori culture and dance tradition, which has similarities to Hawaiian hula.
  • Websites and Online Resources:
    • The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (oha.org) – provides information on Hawaiian culture, history, and initiatives for Native Hawaiians.
    • Pacific Worlds (pacificworlds.com) – an online resource that explores the history, culture, and art of the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii.
    • Hawaiian Music and Hula Archives (hmha.manoa.hawaii.edu) – an online collection of Hawaiian music and hula materials, including recordings and sheet music.

These references and resources offer a diverse range of insights into the Native Hawaiian ethnic group, helping to shed light on their rich heritage and contemporary issues. By exploring these materials, individuals can deepen their knowledge and appreciation for the unique culture and history of the Native Hawaiians.

That concludes the information we can provide about famous Native Hawaiian individuals. Thank you for reading.

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Syarif Muhamad

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