Being Hawaiian Explained

I feel like I have to clarify because this is a huge misconception.

Being born in Hawai'i doesn't make you Hawaiian. Being raised in Hawai'i doesn't make you Hawaiian.

Living in Hawai'i, does not make you Hawaiian. Hawaiian is a race.

The only thing that makes you Hawaiian is your blood. If you don't have koko, you are not Hawaiian.

Often times people claim to be Hawaiian without understanding what it actually means.

You cannot claim to be Hawaiian just because you lived here for 10+ years.

You cannot claim to be Hawaiian simply because you partake in mālama 'āina events.

You cannot claim to be Hawaiian simply if you're born here. It takes hawaiian blood to be hawaiian, if you don't have that, you cannot claim it.

- Chaleia Nokea