The Chinese have had contact with Hawai`i from as early as 1788 when some Chinese arrived on board the British ship lphiginia under Captain John Meares. This ship was engaged in the lucrative fur trade between the northwest coast of America and China and wintered in Hawai`i until Spring 1789. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of this early encounter, 1989 was heralded as the Year of the Chinese.
The relationship between Hawai`i and China grew with passing years as sailing ships bearing furs to China stopped in Hawai`i for food, supplies, fresh water and repairs during the winter months. It was also a place for crew members, which included Chinese, to go ashore to relax. Tales of Hawai`i were told in China and after 1791 when the Chinese learned of sandalwood in Hawai`i the islands became known as Tan Heong Shan (Sandalwood Mountain), a name that remains in use even to this day. This wood was an important material for Chinese craftsmen and between 1810-1825, the height of its trade the monarchy derived a substantial income from sandalwood. The trees were harvested but not replanted, and after 1840 sandalwood was not exported.
Enterprising Chinese considered Hawai`i a land of opportunity in contrast to conditions in China in the early 19th century. In 1802 Wong Tze-Chun settled on Lana`i and grew sugar cane. With simple equipment he extracted juice and processed the sugar. He decided it wasn't feasible, so packed his equipment and returned to China. Other entrepreneurs came and established small sugar plantations on Hawai`i, Maui and Kaua`i in the 1820s and 1830s. They also setup other businesses and stores, and operated their own ships which brought workers from China. Many of the workers were employed in stores owned by relatives. Money earned was dispatched back to China to support other family members.
Among the early businesses established during the 1830s was Samsing and Company, manufacturer of sugar at Waimea, Kohala and Hilo, which also had other enterprises. Another, Tyhune Store (Tai Hoong Wong), sold western and Chinese items and also owned vessels which shipped goods to and from China and serviced their neighbor island branch stores. The Atai Company owned the Canton Hotel in Honolulu.
Among the early merchants Chun Afong became well known for his many successful business ventures. He arrived in Hawai`i in 1849 and married a member of the Hawaiian aristocracy. A part owner of the Pepeekeo Sugar Plantation on the island of Hawai`i for many years, he eventually sold his business holdings and in 1890 returned to China to spend the rest of his days, a goal desired by most men who came from China.
In the 1840s, some of the sugar plantations were sold to western companies who used efficient steam engines. There was a great need for cheap labor, so the first load of Chinese laborers recruited in the Fukien and Canton ports, were brought on contract to Hawai`i in 1852. Life on the sugar plantations was difficult, so at the end of their contract many workers returned to China or went into Hawai`i’s urban areas to do other jobs.
Rice cultivation was easier and many found employment on rice plantations owned by fellow Chinese. Often these rice plantations were established on former taro lands. Rice grew well in the islands, and much was exported to California and even to China. The industry continued into the twentieth century and brought an excellent income to owners. Chinese were also active in the poi industry, frequently growing the taro for their poi factories.
With the increased demand for sugar and rice plantation laborers, the Chinese population greatly expanded in Hawai`i during the late 1870s and 1880s, with over 1,000 people a year arriving during this period. After Hawai`i's annexation in 1898 by the United States, that nation's labor exclusion law affected the number of laborers brought to Hawai`i, but many Chinese continued to come independently as teachers, craftsmen, doctors and business people as well as wives and children of those already in Hawai`i. They became settlers and their children received good educations and helped Hawai`i to become what it is today. Their impact economically, socially and politically was outstanding and well known.
The Chinese introduced many flowers, fruit trees and vegetables to Hawai`i in an effort to have things they were familiar with from their homeland. Coming from south China where the climate was tropical, the plants adjusted well to Hawai`i's balmy climate. People have enjoyed lichees, pomelo, certain species of mangoes, star fruit, dragon eye and others. The Chinese brought in popular lei flowers such as pikake, pakalana and stephanotis. A large variety of Chinese vegetables have become a part of Hawai`i's varied ethnic dishes: to name a few, won bok, mustard greens, Chinese parsley, lotus root, and various melons.
The Chinese have become a part of the Hawaiian scene and yet retain many Chinese customs. The Narcissus Festival helps keep Chinese traditions alive for the younger generation and most of the other festivals such as New Years, Ching Ming, and the Moon Festival bring families together and involve food which other ethnic groups have learned to enjoy.
excerpt from introduction
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