Looking Past the Covers: Exploring the Three Subtypes of Hawaii’s Literature and the Outside Effects

(University of Hawaii, USA)

Abstract: In Hawaii’s history of literature, most pieces of work were considered all to be “Hawaiian” literature. However after further observations into the people being represented in these works, the literature in Hawaii was spilt into three considerable subtypes: literary tourist literature, local literature, and Hawaiian literature. While delving into pieces from each respective subtype of Hawaii’s literature, it is clear that though each subtype before Hawaiian literature has made many contributions to the preservation of many stories and histories in Hawaii, it has also led to much of the stereotyping of Hawaii, as well as the isolation of local and Hawaiian voices. Outside of the literary world, the views, connotations, and stereotypes written about Hawaii and its people in these earlier pieces of work led to some negative effects to Hawaii, such as seen with destructive tourism and the erasure of local and Hawaiian voices. It is through the separation of the subtypes that has allowed for a more accurate depiction and the correction of false and negative stereotypes of Hawaii and its people.

Key words: Hawaii, literary tourist literature, local literature, Hawaiian literature, effects of literature