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The Hawaiian Renaissance (1970s to today)

HistoryStatewideChecked Nov. 1, 2026

In the 1970s, Native Hawaiians led a cultural revival: Hōkūleʻa's 1976 voyage, the movement to stop the Navy's bombing of Kahoʻolawe, a rebirth of hula and Hawaiian music, and the 1978 state constitutional convention, which made Hawaiian an official language and created the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaiian-language immersion schools followed, and the revival continues today.

  • Hōkūleʻa (1976) proved ancient Polynesian navigation and became a symbol of pride.
  • Kahoʻolawe: activists of the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana occupied the island starting in 1976 to protest Navy bombing. Bombing ended in 1990, and the island was returned to the state in 1994.
  • 1978 constitutional convention: made ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi an official state language (with English) and created the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
  • Language: Pūnana Leo Hawaiian-immersion preschools began in the 1980s, and Hawaiian-medium schools now run through high school.
  • Hula and music: the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo became the world's premier hula competition, and slack-key, falsetto and Hawaiian music flourished (see the Hawaiian entertainers category).

Source: Wikipedia: Hawaiian Renaissance

Last checked Nov. 1, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.

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