Gender & Sexuality in Hawai’i

Dr. Kirsten Vacca

The culture of the lush tropical paradise of the Pacific archipelago of Hawai'i can teach us a lot about how we think about gender. Throughout the Polynesian world, gender was thought of differently than in the European world. Archaeology and the gathering of 19th century stories from indigenous Hawai'ians helps reveal how gender was viewed in Hawai'i and how it was exhibited in daily life. Ultimately, these expressions of gender are intimately imbued in every aspect of the culture of Hawai'i.

Join Archaeology Now for a fascinating story that, through the presentation of ethical community-engaged scholarship, helps recognize and acknowledge gender traditions in these Pacific islands..

About Kirsten Vacca

Dr. Kirsten Vacca is an anthropological archaeologist. Dr. Vacca is Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Historical Archaeology at the University of Hawai’i, West O’ahu Campus. Her research is community-oriented and addresses issues of colonialism, sex and gender, sexuality, and social praxis in Hawai‘i. Dr. Vacca completed her Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley in 2019 and her M.A. at Northern Illinois University in 2010.

Resources

For more information about gender values of Polynesia, the speaker Dr. Kristen Vacca, has prepared a piece with definitions. To learn more, explore this link:

Pacific Island culture and gender values in Hawai’i are investigated in the award-winning film Kuma Hina. You can view it here:

https://kumuhina.com/