Hawaiian Newspapers: Hawaii's Hidden Time Capsule

Aloha e ka poe puni i ka heluhelu,

(Greetings avid readers)

I've previously mentioned this reading resource, and this month, I'll guide you on how to navigate it effectively, learn from it, understand what to be aware of, and see its immense value. At the very least, I want you to open the papakilodatabase and try it. Let's begin with how to use it.

This is an invaluable database created by OHA (The Office of Hawaiian Affairs) with the aim "to preserve and perpetuate cultural and historical information and practices." Today, we're specifically focusing on the "Hawaiian Newspaper Collection" on the website. This collection comprises newspapers published in Hawaii between 1834 and 1948, totaling around 69,000 pages of written material.

The language used in these newspapers is what's called the original orthography of the Hawaiian language, which is the traditional written form of Hawaiian established in the early 1820s by Hawaiians and missionaries of that era. What does that mean? There are no okina and kahako.

There are two main ways to use the search engine. You can look up a single word or phrase using quotation marks, or you can search for two words with the word "AND" in between. The attached image provides two screenshot examples of what this looks like. 

After hitting the search button, related articles will appear. On the left, you'll find the "Publications" tab. I've already compiled a list of recommended newspaper publications. This list includes publications run by Native Hawaiians. It's worth noting that Native Hawaiians also wrote for other publications. Here's that list:

• Ka Leo o Ka Lahui
• Ke Aloha Aina
• Ko Hawaii Pae Aina
• Ke au Okoa
• Ka Makaainana
• Kuokoa Home Rula
• Ka Oiaio
• Ka Ahailono
• Ka Nai Aupuni
• Ka Hoku o Ka Pakipika
• Home Rule Republika
• The Liberal

Finally, the image below serves as an example of what appears after you click on a newspaper clipping. The red arrow indicates a panel that allows you to view and manipulate the newspaper. Take some time to familiarize yourself with it.

Start reading the words of Hawaiians of a time past. The resource is there, you just have to make time for it. 

Mahalo,

Malu