POHNPEIANS IN HAWAI‘I: REFASHIONING IDENTITY IN DIASPORA

Authors

Suzanne Falgout, University of Hawaii, West OahuFollow

Abstract

This article explores the enduring significance of voyaging in Micronesian life, tracing its evolution from ancient exploration to modern migration. Historically, Oceanic peoples navigated vast distances, guided by sophisticated techniques such as etak, and maintained strong kinship and trade connections. Pohnpeians, once skilled voyagers, transitioned to a land-centered lifestyle due to their island’s abundant resources, yet travel remained a culturally marked practice associated with prestige and danger. In recent centuries, migration patterns have shifted, driven by colonial influences and economic necessity. Pohnpeian migrants in Hawai‘i navigate identity transformation while preserving traditional values, adapting through social networks and cultural practices. This study examines how ancestral navigation principles inform contemporary mobility, demonstrating the ongoing interplay between tradition, displacement, and cultural adaptation in diaspora. By situating Pohnpeian migration within historical voyaging frameworks, the article highlights the resilience of cultural identity amidst changing socio-political landscapes.

Recommended Citation

Falgout, Suzanne (2012) "POHNPEIANS IN HAWAI‘I: REFASHIONING IDENTITY IN DIASPORA," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 35: No. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol35/iss1/7