Is Hawaii actually American, or a conquered country? (Honolulu, Waipahu: live, safety)

[MimzyMusic]

When you think about it, it's kind of weird this former Oriental kingdom is now an American state.

I've never been there, do you still feel like you're in the United States when you're in Hawaii?

[IBadget]

Hawaii doesn't just have the American culture. It has a mixed bag of cultures. Hawaii also has Hawaiians, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, Samoans, and Filipinos. Waipahu, a Honolulu suburb, has a Filipino cultural center. The mixed bag of cultures is one reason you have foods not found on the mainland, e.g., manapua, laulau, poi, chicken katsu, and sushi.

[nullgeo]

Can't resist commenting that: the whole United States mainland is a relatively new country ... created at the expense of many conquered "countries" ... ask the Native Americans from coast to coast.

No comment as to whether any of that is "good" or "bad" ... other than to say: if America had not co-opted Hawaii, another powerful nation would have ... most certainly Japan. Hawaii's strategic value and beautiful assets doomed its independence ... and guaranteed its safety.

Does Hawaii feel like "America"? ... as a former resident I'd say: somewhat, but certainly quite a lot different from any other state, including Alaska ... and I've been to 'em all ... lived in 9.

[Moth]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

Can't resist commenting that: the whole United States mainland is a relatively new country ... created at the expense of many conquered "countries" ... ask the Native Americans from coast to coast.

No comment as to whether any of that is "good" or "bad" ... other than to say: if America had not co-opted Hawaii, another powerful nation would have ... most certainly Japan. Hawaii's strategic value and beautiful assets doomed its independence ... and guaranteed its safety.

Does Hawaii feel like "America"? ... as a former resident I'd say: somewhat, but certainly quite a lot different from any other state, including Alaska ... and I've been to 'em all ... lived in 9.

I'd agree with that. A friend of mine always raves about Los Angeles because its the "Terminal Point" of Manifest Destiny. I'd say Honolulu is the true terminal point though.

Perhaps Hawaii is analagous to Scotland or Wales?

[kaimuki]

Originally Posted by MimzyMusic

When you think about it, it's kind of weird this former Oriental kingdom is now an American state.

I've never been there, do you still feel like you're in the United States when you're in Hawaii?

"Oriental (dated) Kingdom!" That's tantamount to saying "occidental (dated) kingdom". I don't know if you're ignorant or a bigot. Why on Earth do the mods at this fora allow unproductive posts such as yours to remain? Unbelievable!

[Prinny]

People arn't ignorant for expressing their feelings.

[kaimuki]

Originally Posted by Prinny

People arn't ignorant for expressing their feelings.

Expressing feelings! The OP has never set foot in Hawaii, yet they refer to our islands as an "oriental kingdom". This comment is extremely inflammatory. As far as I'm concerned, this is nothing more than an unproductive post.

[leilaniguy]

Actually I'm surprised there hasn't been more angry response to calling Hawaii or native Hawaiian people "Oriental". They are Polynesian, and geographically about as close to America as Asia.