The Indigenous World 2026: Hawai'i

Written on 22 April 2026. Posted in United States

Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina (the Hawai’ian Archipelago also known by the name Hawai’i) is made up of 137 islands, reefs and ledges stretching 2,451 kilometers southeast / northwest in the Pacific Ocean and covering a total of 16,640 square kilometers.^[1]

The Kanaka Maoli, the Indigenous Peoples of Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina, make up around 20% of the total population of 1.4 million.^[2]

In 1893, the Government of Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina, led by Queen Lili’uokalani, was illegally overthrown and a provisional government established by the United States of America without the consent of the Kanaka Maoli and in violation of international treaties and law. It was officially annexed by the United States and became the Territory of Hawaii in 1898.^[3] In 1959, a referendum determined the future of Hawaiʻi by offering only two options: to remain a territory or become the 50^th state, omitting the independence option. Hawaii acquired statehood in 1959 and became a part of the United States of America.^[4] The Kanaka Maoli continue to fight for self-determination and self-government and continue to suffer from past injustices and ongoing violations of their rights. Some members are involved in the Hawai’ian sovereignty movement, which considers the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai’i in 1893 along with the subsequent annexation of Hawai’i by the United States illegal. Among other things, the movement seeks free association with and/or independence from the United States. The Kanaka Maoli maintain that Hawaiʻi is an occupied nation desiring to exercise self-determination in all its forms.^[5]

There have been formal requests for reparations from the United States for the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893 and for what has been described as a prolonged military occupation, starting with the 1898 annexation. The so-called “Apology Resolution” passed by the U.S. Congress in 1993 is cited as a major acknowledgment of the illegal overthrow and wrongful action of the U.S. government, and supportive of claims by the Hawai’ian sovereignty movement.^[6]

The United States announced in 2010 that it would endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a moral guide after voting against it in 2007.^[7] The United States has not ratified ILO Convention No. 169. Indigenous people who are born within the United States of America are generally U.S. citizens; however, they are also citizens of their own nations. The UNDRIP guides the actions and aspirations of Hawai’i's Indigenous Peoples, as do local declarations such as the Palapala Paoakalani.

This article is part of the 40^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. Find The Indigenous World 2026 in full here

Resistance and resilience rooted in Indigenous Peoples’ rights

The Kanaka Maoli, the Indigenous Peoples of Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina, continue a commitment to self-determination rooted in culture and maintain defiance of exploitative policies and projects on the part of a settler system supported by military might and globalized economic priorities spearheaded through tourism.

The Indigenous Peoples of Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina’s understanding of one’s place in the Pacific positively contributes to the movement in Moananuiakea aimed at pioneering cooperation and conservation for the planet. Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina provides cultural models for Moananuiakea that can ripple across the region of Oceania and contribute to growing global recognition of Indigenous philosophy, providing potential paths forward.

Through cultural practices and language passion projects, the nation building of Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina continued to honor their authentic heritage and history while adding to important initiatives in the islands that have an impact beyond in the international realm.

Youth Advocacy, Wai Protec ʻAina Abundance, Ancestral Wayfinding, Cultural Arts: Hawaiʻi community conditions advance UNDRIP Rights

Youth, community campaigns, ancestral voyaging, cultural practitioners all contribute to a genuine growing of La Hui, inspiring more involvement for Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina’s protection of the natural environment, recognition of land and water rights, honoring of wayfinding, and language preservation through film. These were priority areas for advocacy in 2025.

Youth continue to demand their constitutional right to a healthy, clean, safe and sustainable environment, building on the historic Navahine Case settlement.^[8] The 13 youth plaintiffs in the Navahine v. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) constitutional climate case settlement acknowledged the right to a life-sustaining climate and, equally important, the HDOT agreed to implement transformative changes to achieve net-negative emissions by 2045. The next important step was taken with the significant organization of the first meetings of the Hawaiʻi Youth Transportation Council in January 2025, with youth providing potential policies to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and fossil fuel dependency in Hawaiʻi.^[9]

Wai (water) is sacred, and the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court confirmed that water advocates’ constitutional rights were violated when the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) permitted Alexander & Baldwin (A&B), one of the historical Big Five corporations, to drain east Maui streams dry. The Court also affirmed statutory responsibility for considering mauka-to-makai impacts, reaffirming the earlier environmental court and overruling the intermediate court of appeals.^[10] Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina must utilize the rights in the UNDRIP to develop a water resource management system based on ancestral practices.

Land rights remain paramount. The United States military remains on sacred lands with threatened condemnation of training lands. Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina responded with a formal proposal to the United States Army Secretary at the end of October 2025, providing priorities of environmental remediation and land restoration as well as increased access for cultural and community associations.^[11]

In the final month of 2025, an imminent deadline to negotiate new leases for military training lands changed. Instead of the Army’s desire to take the land through “friendly condemnation”, there were strong objections due to community concerns, prompting state objection. Governor Josh Green formed an advisory council with significant Kanaka Maoli leadership to find common ground.^[12] Cultural stewardship must remain at the forefront when assessing the environmental and cultural costs of the continued use of Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina.

Hokulea, Hawai’i’s iconic voyaging canoe, commemorated her 50^th birthday on 8 March 2025, marking a half-century of cultural renewal, environmental stewardship and renewed connection to the ocean and entire Earth. The Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) celebrated the legendary double-hulled canoe at the site of her birth at Kualoa, Oahu at the ahu site (altar). At the cultural celebration to honor the 1975 launch of ocean exploration and protection of the planet, there were presentations by Pwo navigators along with cultural performances including an awa (root drink) ceremony.^[13]

Hokulea serves as a symbol of cultural revival, Indigenous resilience, planetary peace, and hope for humanity. Hokulea was the first voyage canoe in 600 years, inspiring Pacific neighbors to also create ancestral canoes and global partners to Malama Honua (care for the Earth). Hokulea has sailed nearly 300,000 miles and completed 15 deep-sea voyages in its 50 years. In 2014-17, Hokulea completed a worldwide voyage and is currently focused on a Moananuiakea voyage around Oceania.^[14]

Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson reflected at the ceremony: “We should just keep launching canoes. And they may not be voyaging canoes. It may be the ideals, the beliefs, the values of a single individual that wants to make a better world. If you could launch something, even if it’s a dream, it’s worth it. Even if it’s an idea, it’s worth it. And the birthday is such an important moment for us to dream again, believe again and have courage to let go of the lines.”^[15]

One major dream that did arrive in 2025 was the Chief of War series on Apple+, featuring Jason Mamoa in a historical drama about the unification of Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina at the end of the 18^th century. The series follows Kaiʻiana (Mamoa), an aliʻi of Maui in the emergence of Kamehameha I as a leader. The 9-part epic mini-series achieved authenticity, beginning with the first two episodes entirely in Olelo Hawaiʻi with the remaining ones being 40 – 60% in Olelo Hawaiʻi. The weekly premiere of each episode prompted gatherings at the University of Hawaiʻi, at Manoa Kamakuokalani Center for Hawai’ian Studies, uniting professors, students, cultural practitioners and community members to discuss all aspects of Chief of War, with each sharing their expertise. Chief of War provides a platform for greater storytelling for Indigenous cultures so that they can share the rich histories of voices, values and vision that are vital for our collective future.^[16]

Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina continues to contribute to subregional and regional cooperation in the Polynesian Leadersʻ Group (PLG), with multiple meetings across Polynesia in 2025 and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Honiara, Solomon Islands in September 2025.^[17]

The PLG was founded at the PIF in Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand) in September 2011 when the Samoan Prime Minister initiated the meeting with Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, and Niue. At the Tuvalu meeting in 2018, the PLG admitted three new members – Aotearoa (New Zealand), Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island).^[18] Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina regularly participated at the PLG across the Pacific. It is important for Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina to contribute to the secretariat and build the subregional efforts to promote human rights and the rule of law in the region.^[19]

Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina reminds the world of its illegal overthrow and continued occupation. As the current United States president continues to threaten military might and the illegal overthrow of other nations, Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina recognizes the pattern of the United States and continues to pursue non-violent diplomatic actions at the United Nations to recognize its right to self-determination under international law.

Joshua Cooper is a lecturer at the University of Hawai’i’s Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies and the University of New South Wales Diplomacy Training Program. He also teaches at the Global Leadership Academy for Human Rights Advocacy and serves as the Executive Director of Oceania Human Rights and CEO of The GOOD Group, a global strategic litigation & liberation movement

This article is part of the 40^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. Find The Indigenous World 2026 in full here

Notes and references

^[1] State of Hawaii, Dept. of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. (2025). Hawai’i Facts and Figures. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/economic/library/facts/Facts_Figures_browsable.pdf

^[2] Hawai’i State Data Center. (2026). Native Hawaiin Population in Hawaii: 2020. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/census/census_2020/data/reports/Native_Hawaiian_Population_in_Hawaii_in_2020.pdf#:~:text=In%202020,%20there%20were%2094,025%20people%20in,the%20third-largest%20racial%20group%20in%20the%20state.

^[3] Blount, j. H. & United States Congress. House Author. (1895). Foreign Relations of the United States, Appendix 2: Affairs in Hawaii. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://www.loc.gov/item/2021666777/; See also: United States Congress. (1993). United States Public Law 103-105: 103d Congress Joint Resolution 19. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://www.hawaii-nation.org/publawall.html

^[4] United States Congress. (1959). An Act to Provide for the Admission of the State of Hawai’I into the Union, Act of March 18, 1959, PUB L 86-3, 73 STAT 4. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://www.doi.gov/media/document/act-provide-admission-state-hawai-pdf

^[5] Haunani-Kay, T. (2010). The Struggle for Hawaiian Sovereignty – Introduction. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/struggle-hawaiian-sovereignty-introduction; And: Manalo-Camp, A. K. (2024). UNDRIP Affirms Kanaka Maoli Rights. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://kawaiola.news/ea/undrip-affirms-kanaka-maoli-rights/; And: Kanahele, D. (2017). Independent and Sovereign Nation State of Hawai’i: UNPFII Questionnaire to Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://social.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/migrated/19/2016/08/Nation_of_Hawaii.pdf; Kanaka Maoli of Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina. (2003). Paoakalani Declaration. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://a08cfae5-b1c8-4fc2-9217-998d0b138f97.filesusr.com/ugd/570dae_07ec7d8d340e4d3f9705474f4923e09a.pdf

^[6] Fling. S. (2024). Hawai’i and the White House. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/hawaii-and-the-white-house#:~:text=On%20November%2023,%201993,%20President,.org/....

^[7] U.S. Department of State: Diplomacy in Action. (2011). Announcement of U.S Support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://2009-2017.state.gov/s/srgia/154553.htm

^[8] Office of the Governor. (2024). Historic Agreement Settles Navahine Climate Litigation. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-historic-agreement-settles-navahine-climate-litigation/

^[9] Our Children’s Trust. Youth Power is Steering the Future of Electric Transportation in Hawai’i. Accessed 25 February  2026: https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/blog/youth-power-is-steering-the-future-of-electric-transportation-in-hawaii; And: Gee, L. (2025). Student Voice: Bridging Climate and Community with Hawai’i’s First Youth Transportation Council. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2025-student-voice-bridging-climate-and-community-with-hawaiis-first-youth-transportation-council/

^[10] Gutierrez, Ben. (2025). State’s high Court Rules Against Land Board over Maui Water Rights Case. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/09/06/states-high-court-rules-against-land-board-over-maui-water-rights-case/

^[11] Uyeda, R. L. (2025). Hawai’i Residents Challenge U.S. Military over Leases on Sacred Lands. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://prismreports.org/2025/10/27/hawaii-red-hill-pohakuloa-military/

^[12] Office of the Governor. (2025). Governor Green names Advisory Committee for Military Leased Lands: Committee Made mostly of Native Hawaiians will Provide Guidance on Ongoing Military Leased Land Discussions. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-gov-green-names-advisory-committee-for-leased-military-lands/

^[13] Hokulea. (2025). 50 Years of Hōkūleʻa, March 8, 1975. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://hokulea.com/50th-anniversary/

^[14] Wood, F. (2017). The Hōkūleʻa Worldwide Voyage Comes Full Circle. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://nlmdirector.nlm.nih.gov/2017/06/20/the-hokule%CA%BDa-worldwide-voyage-comes-full-circle-the-nlm-connection/#:~:text=On%20June%2017,%20the%20ocean,heart%20of%20its%20global%20voyage.

^[15] Author attended the event and took notes.

^[16] Fernandez-Akamine, P. (2025). Chief of War: A Turning Point for Native Hawaiian Storytelling. Accessed 25 February  2026: https://kawaiola.news/cover/chief-of-war-a-turning-point-for-native-hawaiian-storytelling/

^[17] Author attended the event and took notes.

^[18] RNZ. (2018). NZ, Hawaii and Rapa Nui Admitted to Polynesian Leaders Group. Accessed 25 February 2026: https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/360715/nz-hawaii-and-rapa-nui-admitted-to-polynesian-leaders-group

^[19] Author attended the event and took notes.

Tags: Global governance