Hawaii: ‘Ohana – More Than Family

Submitted by Ryan Cromer on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Hawaii sponsored by College of Education and Human Development…

We took a trip to the Bishop Museum. We learned a lot about Creation and Culture. The Native Hawaiians strongly believe in duality. We are all connected to one another, as well as to the earth, the ocean, the stars, and the gods. They believe they are descendants from the gods, who were born from the stars. That’s why ‘ohana is so crucial in Hawaiian culture. It’s much more than family. ‘Ohana is what connects all life. Without ‘ohana there is no purpose to life.

Talking to a tour guide at the museum, I learned about Hawai’i’s history with leprosy. Initially, Native Hawaiians thought nothing of it. They knew it was a disease, but they weren’t disgusted by it. They still ate, slept and socialized with those who had it. It wasn’t until Western influences made them ban the diseased to another island. It was survival, as he explained. Those people were taken on boats and thrown off a mile from the shore. Those who made it had to start over: rebuild their lives and create a new culture. While that is heartbreaking, there is beauty. They wouldn’t just go alone. One person belonging to ‘ohana would go with them, so that they were not alone and without ‘ohana. They would always and forever be connected with their ‘ohana, family, gods, and nature. They would never be alone. They would never be without life.

This is a view of the Bishop Museum.