George Hu ʻeu Sanford Kanahele: A Legacy of Hawaiian Culture and Entrepreneurship
George Hu ʻeu Sanford Kanahele was a distinguished scholar, author, and activist who dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of Native Hawaiian identity. From his early education in Oʻahu to his advanced academic pursuits at Cornell University, Kanahele blended rigorous scholarship with a practical commitment to the economic and cultural empowerment of indigenous peoples.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 17, 1930, in Kahuku on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaii, Kanahele's journey began with a strong foundation in his local community. He graduated from the prestigious Kamehameha Schools in 1948, an institution dedicated to the education of children of Hawaiian ancestry.
Following his secondary education, Kanahele spent several years in service. He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan until 1954, followed by a period of service in the United States Army Security Agency stationed in Germany.
His academic trajectory was marked by a deep interest in governance and political structures. He earned both his Bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. He eventually reached the pinnacle of academic achievement in 1967, graduating with honors from Cornell University with a Ph.D. in Government and Southeast Asian Affairs.
Contributions to Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Culture
Kanahele believed that cultural preservation must be paired with economic sustainability. To this end, he co-founded the Hawaiʻi Entrepreneurship Training & Development Institute. Through this organization, he provided critical training to indigenous populations globally, teaching them the necessary skills to launch and maintain sustainable businesses.
As a prolific writer, he published several books focusing on the intricate history and rich culture of Hawaii, ensuring that these narratives were documented for future generations.
Activism and the Concept of "Hawaiianess"
In 1997, Kanahele founded the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. While he was a respected figure in the Hawaiian activism movement, he held views that were sometimes considered controversial by his peers.
Specifically, Kanahele argued that Native Hawaiians should not distance themselves from the tourism industry. Instead, he proposed that they embrace it by helping the visitor industry revive "Hawaiianess"—which he described as a "Hawaiian sense of place"—within popular tourist destinations like Waikīkī. He believed that by integrating authentic cultural identity into the visitor experience, the community could reclaim its narrative.
In recognition of his contributions to the community and culture, he was honored with the Living Treasures of Hawai'i award in 1998.
Key Facts
- Born: October 17, 1930, in Kahuku, Oʻahu, Hawaii.
- Education: Ph.D. in Government and Southeast Asian Affairs from Cornell University (1967).
- Key Organizations: Co-founder of the Hawaiʻi Entrepreneurship Training & Development Institute and founder of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (1997).
- Major Award: Living Treasures of Hawai'i (1998).
- Death: September 14, 2000, in Guam.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Degrees | B.A. and M.A. (BYU Hawaiʻi), Ph.D. (Cornell University) |
| Military/Missionary Service | LDS Mission (Japan), US Army Security Agency (Germany) |
| Primary Focus | Hawaiian culture, history, and indigenous entrepreneurship |
| Notable Theory | Integrating "Hawaiianess" into the tourism industry |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was George Kanahele's educational background?
He graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1948, earned a Bachelor's and master's in political science from Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, and received a Ph.D. in Government and Southeast Asian Affairs from Cornell University in 1967.
What was the purpose of the Hawaiʻi Entrepreneurship Training & Development Institute?
The institute, co-founded by Kanahele, was designed to train indigenous people from around the world on how to establish and manage sustainable businesses.
Why were some of Kanahele's ideas regarding tourism controversial?
Unlike some activists who viewed tourism as detrimental, Kanahele argued that Native Hawaiians should use the visitor industry to revive a "Hawaiian sense of place" or "Hawaiianess" in areas like Waikīkī.
When and how did George Kanahele pass away?
He died on September 14, 2000, in Guam, after suffering a heart attack while teaching a seminar.
What award did he receive in 1998?
He was recipient of the Living Treasures of Hawai'i award, recognizing his contributions to the state's cultural heritage.