Hawaii Neighborhood Identity "Life Where I'm from"

Surprisingly Hawaii is a diverse state with its land areas under their United States designation and larger umbrella that is the accepted “Ahupua’a” land divisions that may slightly differ, but both influence any sub-group maps of food, subculture, and styles. Slowly but surely there are rising interests in town attractions and local festivals that are more distinct to the area and its history. Land-areas in Hawaii are more than political boundaries, because the local population strongly identifies with their home area and this is usually based on what school the person may have attended. A common question in the islands is “What highschool you when grad?” or what is the highschool to signify the area you were raised say about the sort of culture, food, and dialect of English Language used around those parts.

Depending on the area, language plays a big role in knowing where someone might be from, however those who live in those areas may not see the distinct way of talking that might be unique to the area itself and generalize it. In Hawaii there is pidgin english, however in the development of the way of speaking there were unique words, unique phrases, and ways of talking in sentences that may be subtle to the area the person was raised in. Such discussions were had by many of the eldarly who would notice there was dialects from island to island of: Kauai, Molokai, Maui, Lanai, Big Island, and Oahu.

This would also be separated in the towns, because the time spent in the area in the past was a long time with only what was nearby and transportation has only increased in its expenses of peoples daily lives in Hawaii. There were different cultural influences based on the populations that were there as well, so overtime there were small differences that were not to noticeable, but were apparent. An example would be some of the eldarly in the 1990s would say they could tell what part of the island came from or could guess their high school based on the way they talked. Some of these would be: Townside Dialect (Honolulu), Kailua Dialect, Waipahu Dialect, Mililani Dialect, Pearl City Dialect, and Waianae Dialect.

Hawaii cities and neighborhoods tend to have a strong sense of community and a sense of community spirit as well as local folklore that gives it a unique personality that can be seen as a Hawaii identity, but also a Specific sort of Hawaii identity of the area.

Shrines & Heiau
It is common for every neighborhood in Hawaii to have their own Personal Shrines that came about during the usage of Butsudans which would later change into something specific for a family as time went on. This would be the area specific and family specific “Lele Ho’okau” Altars that locals would often times have daily rituals that would be done at and had replaced many previous Butsudans, but kept many elements of its design. Each neighborhood also has their local known “Heiaus” Hawaiian temples of worship. While they were known there were reasons that the general public could not access many such places, so many would place a larger importance on personal shrines.

Local Akua
Heiau temples can have a variety of meanings and some are even dedicated to certain Akua or people. Akua are in representation of natures elements and can be unique to a local shrine depending on those exposure of elements of the area, so the methods of worship and what is worshipped maybe different from neighborhood to neighborhood. There are many who hope to elevate such understanding as there are great developments, such as temples like the “Ahu’ena Heiau”. It starts to become largely celebrated by people as it sits near hotel property as an attraction and respected site that represents Hawaiian culture, people who live in Hawaii, and raise its awareness of sacred importance through Hawaiian education. As it passes hands there is area-specific additions as it is often decided and taken care of by successive generations. Which tend to add to the original structure, or repair of as the heiau grows and the purpose of it can change overtime. As it fits the area in its unique characteristics it also raises the identity of the area and pride of those who can strongly identify with the area's uniqueness.

Hoʻolauleʻa
It is common for community groups that works with other temples, shrines, and business establishments to sponsor hoolaulea and events throughout the year. Many of the neighborhoods in Hawaii hold regular events that are held. An important element of Hawaiian festivals are processions, in which there are groups who bring parade floats that is brought down the length of the town or towns involved. Many festivals also feature horseback riders that are paraded through the town, accompanied by musicians or dancers depending on the budget and community involvement. Each of the festivals that are in Hawaii have their own unique characteristics that has a focus from the town itself and they can vary from calm and meditative in traits or on the other end energetic and full of noise. The most known Hoolaulea is the ”Aloha Festival”.

Regional Food
Despite the lack of land, farmers and urban farmers are common in Hawaii including neighborhood farms in peoples backyards of their residence. In many cases, a neighborhood may have some favorite or preferred crops that they particularly are proud of and continue to grow. Hawaii agriculture has its history in regional brands that are always fighting to stay alive if they are still around, but what that means is that the food can differ based on a food focus. Such a focus brings into the idea of what a place is famous for rather than the option of what it maybe able to do, which makes a sort of reputation of things the area can be proud of. One area might be famous for loco mocos and the next area might be known for its beef hekka. The tradition of bringing back island favorites from one island to another has been going on for generations at this point and it has brought with it values of giving things to others that is more than monetary, but a sort of offering or even appreciation. This has led to a domestic travel industry in which people find it customary to bring back some sort of souvenirs, but more specifically regional food, and bring it back to family, friends, or even co-workers.

Beach Parks
It is common for a neighborhood to have at least a few options of nearby beach parks or parks without the ocean and much more green. These spots are customary to hold a hibachi party or a picnic under some trees in the spring time where there isn’t too much rain. This can make some urban areas with lots of buildings or the suburban areas feel a bit more natural, and if on the countryside things can get really lively when things are usually relaxing and quiet. The beaches and parks in Hawaii contribute to a sense of community and place as they are specific to the geographic area.

Urban Design
Most Hawaii neighborhoods had architecture that grew with the area and had a sort of design that was unique to the area in front the people themselves or a number of houses that looked almost alike with their similarities in its planning. So, such houses that look a bit different architecture tend to have quite a history and thus a particular look that fits the area itself with some features being done in an interesting way. For example in Manoa there are many homes that are unique as many extensions and designs were based off the high water fall and do it yourself construction that was done by people who were to live in the homes. All sorts of furniture as well as garages and rooms are some that only can be found in the islands.