Discuss the impacts of recognizing the Power and Influence of Native Hawaiian Women.

Many people on the mainland US see Hawai’i as their relaxing getaway destination, and depict Hawaiian women in a stereotypical way, wearing grass skirts, coconut bras, and wearing a subservient smile that welcomes them. The reality of Native Hawaiian women throughout history records these women as strong and powerful, starting with the procreation of the universe. In Davianna Pōmaika’i McGregor’s, “Constructed Images of Native Hawaiian Women”, she explains how women have played an important role in society starting from the very beginning saying, “In Hawaiian cosmology, female forces of nature play an equal role with male forces in procreation of the universe. This shared creative energy contributes to the sense of empowerment among Native Hawaiian women today” (McGregor 26).

Native Hawaiian women continued to have major influence and power in society such as having reproductive power, giving women the ability to reinforce the strength of a genealogical line or introduce a new relationship. Native Hawaiian women also demonstrated power and influence in society through monarchy and hierarchy. An example of their power is shown when McGregor states, “Highest-ranking women of sacred birth could nevertheless determine which chief’s son would inherit rank and privilege through their choice of mates” (McGregor 28). Another example of the power and influence Native Hawaiian women have in society through monarchy are the chiefly women and queens. Native Hawaiian queens looked after the education, health, and social welfare of people during their lifetime. Some of the monumental achievements these queens did for Hawaiian society include, “Queen Emma….willed her private landholdings, totaling 13,064 acres, to a trust that would provide healthcare to destitute Native Hawaiians through the Queen’s Hospital. Queen Kapi’olani….willed her estate to the maintenance to the Queen Kapi’olani Maternity Hospital. Queen Lili’uokalani established the Queen Lili’uokalani Children’s Center…to provide social services support to orphaned and indigent Native Hawaiian children” (McGregor 32). As time went on, Native Hawaiian women continued to have power and influence in society such as becoming the first women to become attorneys and serve in the legislature, works in philanthropy, and kūpuna.