Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In the 11th article in this ongoing series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Germans, their arrival to the Hawaiian Islands, their traditions and celebrations. Today, people of German descent make up 5.8% of Hawai‘i’s population.
Arrival in Hawai‘i
In 1778, three German sailors and one Swiss painter aboard Captain Cook’s ships were the first Europeans to land in the Hawaiian archipelago, on the shores of Kaua‘i. Kaua‘i’s German population grew to such an extent that Līhu‘e was nicknamed “German Town” at one point in time. From the first landfall, German and Hawaiian culture became intertwined. German firms flourished in Chinatown, Lutheran churches dotted the landscape and while many Germans also toiled in the sugarcane fields, they also eventually held positions of power, overseeing other migrant workers.
King Kalākaua had an especially strong relationship with the German people. He appointed the Royal Hawaiian Band’s most influential bandmaster, Prussian-born Heinrich (Henry/ Henri) Berger. He arranged the Hawaiian Kingdom’s national anthem, “Hawai‘i Pono‘ī,” deriving it from the Prussian anthem, “Hefl Dir im Siegerkranz.” Berger befriended future Queen Lili‘uokalani — who named him “The Father of Hawaiian Music” — arranging and performing the songs she wrote.
Culture and Traditions
German culture in Hawai‘i primarily manifests itself in food and drink. Baumkuchen, a traditional many-layered cake cooked on a stick, is a beloved pastry here. It is speculated that King Kalākaua was the first Hawaiian to have baumkuchen when he visited Berlin in 1881.
The largest and most known cultural celebration is Oktoberfest, which takes place at various venues throughout the Hawaiian Islands during September and October. Local restaurants, bars and other venues annually host Oktoberfest, featuring a plethora of festival beers, bratwurst and Masskrugstemmen — stein-hoisting competitions.
Celebrations
On O‘ahu, Helping Hands Hawai‘i hosts its annual Oktoberfest fundraiser event to support local community programs, with other local breweries also hosting their own celebrations. The Honolulu Museum of Art hosts the annual FilmFreude Honolulu every spring, a film festival showcasing the latest in German cinema. On Hawai‘i, Oktoberfest is organized by the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay. Celebrations are also held on Maui and Kaua‘i.
For more information, visit German Club Hawaii’s website (germanclubhawaii.org) as well as Generations Magazine’s Facebook page (facebook.com/genmag808) and website calendar (generations808.com/calendar) for community events and opportunities.
The next article in this series will feature the influences of Jewish culture in Hawai‘i.
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