The native people of Hawaii are called Kanaka Maoli or Native Hawaiians. They are the indigenous Polynesian people who originally settled the Hawaiian Islands around 1,500 years ago. The Kanaka Maoli developed a rich and vibrant culture that was deeply connected to the land, the sea, and the spiritual world.
In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii, and over the next century, Hawaii became a hub for trade and commerce, with many Westerners settling on the islands. This led to significant changes in Hawaiian society, including the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898.
Today, Native Hawaiians make up around 20% of the population of Hawaii, and there is a growing movement to preserve and revitalize their culture, language, and traditions. The Hawaiian language has been officially recognized as one of the official languages of the state of Hawaii, and there are many cultural festivals, events, and initiatives that celebrate and honor the Kanaka Maoli and their contributions to the islands.