Spirited Virginia Q3 2022 - 24

A
mong Amer ican bucket list
destinations, Hawaii is a natural.
This Polynesian paradise offers
sparkling blue waters punctuated by
towering waves washing up on bright
white sand beaches and stunning black
sand beaches. The islands are filled with
lush rainforests, majestic mountains,
year-round blossoms and skin-kissing
temperatures.
Visitors in the mood for creature
comforts can bask in the islands' luxurious
resorts and enjoy tropical seafood,
scenic excursions and island-style cocktails.
Visitors looking for local culture
can soak up Hawaiian traditions such
as talented hula dancers, seaworthy
outrigger canoes, traditional tattoos,
island music and colorful lei garlands.
Traditional or modern, these attractions
include the " aloha spirit " of welcome.
Whether Hawaii is on your planned
itinerary or your bucket list, you can
bring its aloha spirits to your home in
Virginia. A glimpse into the making of
the islands and the cultural roots of
these Polynesian people can enhance
your appreciation and enjoyment.
The Making of Paradise
Some 70 million years ago, the Pacific
Oceanic plate shifted, and a volcanic hot
spot in the tectonic plate shifted with it.
The spewing volcanic action formed land
that rose above the ocean waters. As the
plate moved, new hot spots erupted,
and new islands were born.
The first human inhabitants of the
Hawaiian string of island pearls likely
came from the South Pacific between the
4th and 7th centuries. Other voyagers
arrived during the 9th or 10th century.
Both groups excelled at building seaworthy
crafts, at navigating wide expanses
of ocean and at fishing and farming.
Although there is evidence of early
reciprocal travel between Hawaii and other
Polynesian islands, the cultures shared
similarities while developing
their own distinctive
characteristics.
Like other world mythologies, the
Polynesians had creation tales. In some
legends, the god Tāne made the first
man, Tiki, then made a wife for him.
In another South Pacific culture, Tāne
made the woman first. In other versions,
Tiki created the first human by mixing
his own blood with clay. In some, the
Māori god of war created Tiki.
The stories varied, but throughout
the islands, the sacred figure of " tiki "
was revered, worshipped, respected and
feared. Even today, many Polynesians
still respect the spirituality of their
ancestors, including the tiki, in all its
forms and names.
Changes Come to the Hawaiian
Islands
European influence in Hawaii likely
began with Capt. James Cook, who
landed there in 1778. Many outsiders
followed: adventurers, trappers and
whalers stopped to restock supplies.
They brought cultural changes as well
as diseases for which the native people
had no immunities. By the 1890s,
The " Tiki " of Early Polynesian
Cultures
the native population fell from about
300,000 to fewer than 40,000.
Settlers created a plantation culture,
capitalizing on the island's fertility to
grow commodities such as sugarcane
and pineapples. In addition to native
workers, plantation owners used immigrant
labor from a variety of locations,
including Asia, Portugal, the U.S. mainland,
Mexico and more. The diversity of
immigrants created a multiethnic society
with a blend of customs, languages and
religions, broadening Hawaiian culture
beyond its Polynesian origins.
By the middle of the 19th century,
Hawaiian monarchs still governed the
islands, but the indigenous way of life
gave way to horses and horse-drawn
vehicles, European-style frame houses,
taverns, retail establishments and
Christian churches.
Americans gradually gained political
and economic control. Hawaii became a
U.S. territory in 1900. It became the 50th
state on Aug. 21, 1959.
In the past few decades, Native Hawaiians
have begun clamoring for changes, including
legal restoration of their sovereignty,
recognition and reparations. In 1993, the
U.S. officially apologized for its role in overthrowing
the Hawaiian political monarchy.
Mai Tai
The original Mai Tai was made with 17-year-old
Wray and Nephew Jamaican rum and garnished
with a mint sprig and lime shell to symbolize a
palm tree and an island. Although that rum is long
gone, you'll want quality rums for your drink - a
combination of light and dark or a blended rum.
Any fruit or edible flower will suffice as a garnish.
▷ 2 OZ. RUM
▷ ½ OZ. ORANGE CURAÇAO OR TRIPLE SEC
▷ 1/4 OZ. ORGEAT SYRUP
▷ 1/4 OZ. SIMPLE SYRUP
▷ ¾ OZ. LIME JUICE
▷ MINT SPRIG AND LIME SHELL
Put first four ingredients into a shaker with ice.
Shake well. Strain into a rocks glass over
ice. Garnish.
24 SPIRITED VIRGINIA
Spirited Virginia Q3 2022

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