History

Historian Ronald Williams Jr. takes a look at the role tariffs played in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi; Researcher Richelle Moskvichev shares evidence that sea levels in Hawaiʻi are rising faster than expected

Off the coast of Japan 80 years ago, a U.S. naval captain ordered his battleship to hold a burial at sea for a kamikaze pilot who died slamming his fighter plane into the American vessel. The funeral following the Battle of Okinawa is one of the more unusual and little-known episodes of World War II.

Maunakea has been federally recognized as a traditional cultural property. Since being put on the National Register of Historic Places, federal agencies and private entities seeking funding or permits must now address the potential impacts of their proposals on the mountain.

Hōlua sledding is not nearly as well-known as other Hawaiian sports like surfing or canoe paddling. As HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports, cultural practitioners are working to change that.

Local DJ Morgan Nixon has been making waves with a new guide to the music of a record label that has been called the "Motown of Jamaica." The Conversation talked to him about his new book.

Dr. Billy Bergin is the author of several books, including the fourth and last volume of “Loyal to the Land: The Legendary Parker Ranch.” The series documents the history of Parker Ranch, one the oldest and largest ranches in Hawaiʻi, around which the town of Waimea was built.

Hawaiʻi's first homestead was established on Moloka’i in 1922 as a pilot for what became Hawaiian homelands across the islands. As HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports, Molokaʻi homesteaders continue to honor Prince Kūhiō's legacy and on his birthday week, are celebrating a milestone on the island.

Today, the Conversation broadcasts lives from the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden on Hawaiʻi Island with stories on the history of Parker Ranch and biodiversity.

Dozens rallied at the Hawai‘i Capitol's rotunda ahead of Prince Kūhiō Day to advocate for House Bill 606, which would give more funding to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Around Hawaiʻi, communities celebrate "Ke Aliʻi Makaʻāinana," or "the prince of the people" on Prince Kūhiō's birthday today. His legacy lives on across the state as many honor his service to the Hawaiian people.