As you read about Hawaii's people here, or visit Hawaii yourself, you will discover how a few islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean came to be the home of people from Asia, Polynesia, Europe; literally, every continent on Earth. There are few pure Hawaiian people now, but about one in four people is part Hawaiian. It can accurately be said that Hawaii is a place without a racial majority. It is also a place where many people have ancestors from more than one country or race. I think it fair to say than multi-ethnic people are the rule rather than the exception.

Hawaiian Heritage - This Hawaii megasite will introduce you to the Hawaiian people, their history and how Hawaii became such a diverse place. You will learn about the origins of the Hawaiian people, how they came here from islands in the south Pacific and how so many other came to the Hawaiian Islands after them. 

About Hawaii's early history - Dennis Kawaharada details what is known about the Polynesian origins of the Hawaiian people and culture. He explains the evidence supporting current understanding of the discovery and early development of Hawaii's culture

Languages in Hawaii - Most people in Hawaii speak English. It is a second language for many. Hawaii has it's own regional dialect which has absorbed words and other characteristics from many languages. It is called Hawaiian Pidgin, defined in Wikipedia as " a simplified language that develops as a means of communication between two or more groups that do not have a language in common, in situations such as trade."

People from Portugal - Here is a summary of the considerable contributions of the Portuguese immigrants to Hawaii. It is written by Robert Castro and includes a good summary and some personal history.

Germans in Hawaii - Find here and account of German influences in Hawaii It is not widely known that ever since .  "Kelemania" and their descendants have greatly influenced life in the islands, first arriving with Cook in 1778. It is little known that Heinrich Zimmerman came to the Hawaiian Islands in 1778 and that German immigrants and visitors have had a lasting effect on Hawaii.

Asian Immigration to Hawai'i Many immigrants from Asia settled in Hawaii in the 1800's. Many worked on sugar plantations and over time have intermarried with Hawaiians and others seeking a new life here.

Sugar companies welcomed them, offering them inducements to work in the cane fields. It was very hard work. About 125,000 Japanese and many Chinese and Philippino people were a major workforce in Hawaiian sugar cane fields. This article goes into considerable detail, especially about the lives of early immigrants from Asia.

Chinese in Hawaii - About 5% of people in Hawaii consider themselves Chinese. History records that in 1787 the first Chinese arrived in Hawaii. Only the Hawaiians and the New Englanders preceded them. .( It may be argued that there was a visit by Portuguese ships before either the Americans or the Chinese ).

Filipino Migration to Hawai'i  - Filipinos responded to the call for labor in Hawaii, though they were paid less that workers from other countries. Here is account of Filipino history in the state. In addition to very hard work with too little rest, separation from their families and a language barrier, made this a difficult life. Filipinos are a prominent part of today's life in Hawaii.

Chinatown in Downtown Honolulu - A guide to the attractions of Chinatown in downtown Honolulu. Here is information about Chinese operated business in Hawaii, Chinese restaurants and much more.

About food in Hawaii - Eat a bit of everything and a lot of what you like! The ethnic diversity of Hawaii leads to a great diversity of culinary delights. Here is a glossary that will let you know what you are ordering. Eating is big in Hawaii and visits to ethnic restaurants is well worth while for visitors. Check out this site about ethnic foods.

Aloha Shirts - We all wear them ! - Aloha shirts seem to be popping up in many tropical vacation spots far from Hawaii. In Hawaii, we wear them for almost any occasion. Learn about Aloha Friday and how it led to wearing Aloha shirts nearly anywhere, any time. Here is a history of the aloha shirt, classic shirts, collectible aloha shirts and much more. Not all aloha shirts are "knock your eyes out" gaudy. Take a look.