The Hawaiian island’s is a very common decal on cars found not only in Hawaii, but also in the mainland. People from Hawaii seem to be very proud of it and display it with every chance they get. This photo was taken in the zoo parking lot at Waikiki. This decal probably targeted the other local people, which shows a common pride that we all share.
This person’s pick up truck is splattered with tons of pride displaying not just Hawaiian pride, but specifically where he is from, Kailua. Some people are very proud to tell the world what town they are from, because of all the stereotypes that are made to ‘represent’ what kind of a person you are shown to be. This photo was taken in Waikiki on March 6. The Kailua sticker shows that he’s from the east side, and the fireman’s hat sticker says “Federal Fire Fighters of Hawaii,” depicting he’s from Hawaii if the person didn’t already realize that the HIC (Hawaiian Island Creation) stickers shows he’s displaying his island pride with the islands in the sign.
This person’s truck shows a decal of a surfer, which is the “Da Hui” trademark. The company Da Hui was born in Hawaii by surfers who proudly defend the protection and preservation of the Hawaiian culture. This sticker probably doesn’t target anyone specifically but is just meant to display ones own pride for the Hawaiian culture.
This person shows an “Ali`i III” sticker with the face of a warrior. Ali`i is the Hawaiian word for chief, being the highest ranking even above priests and commoners. (I think) the person portrayed on the sticker is supposed to be Kamehameha III, born Kauikeaouli, Hawaii’s longest-reigning monarch. This sticker, being my favorite, probably targets other Native Hawaiian descendants and gives inspiration to others who see it.
Ainokea is a typical sticker displayed on many cars and trucks, meaning, “I don’t care” usually followed by the words “I do what I like” in pidgin. This brand is “Made Always and Only in Hawaii.” This decal is probably targeted to others who understand the saying, probably excluding non-locals who don’t understand pidgin. When this sticker first started getting popular, I thought it was such a funny, simple saying that shows rebelliousness.
Da Kine is also a common sticker to see on vehicles in Hawaii. “Da Kine” is a typical Hawaiian pidgin saying used as a filler to replace specific words, terms, and meanings when the speaker can’t think of what he wants to say. Da Kine is a term that can be used multiple times in a sentence and the listener, whomever that person may be, seems to always understand what the speaker is talking about. Da Kine was founded in Haiku, Hawaii.
HE>i is a relatively new company, conceived in 2003 on Oahu, Hawaii when a simple banner was needed to put on the screen of the founders Nokia cell phone. This brand is locally operated and owned and its one and only shop is stationed in Hawaii. This decal probably targets other religious people who understand what it means. People I know think the sticker is supposed to say “HEK” and don’t understand the true potential of this deep term.
The following stickers were taken at UH Manoa on March 6.
Local Motion, committed to the perpetuating surfing lifestyle, shows the Hawaiian pride in its finest glory. This little company grew to be a big franchise, depicting the Pacific Ocean waves on its shirts and shorts and shows Hawaii in its finest light. This sticker probably targets other locals, whether they are still living in Hawaii or drifted off to another part of the world, which combines the pride of locals everywhere.
Hawaiian Style is a local brand, which is based on the casual lifestyle of the islands, portraying different activities related to fishing, diving, paddling, and surfing. The brand is meant to reflect Hawaii’s way of life. Ulua, which is Hawaii’s top game fish, represents the male in Hawaiian culture. “Aia i ka huki ulua,” which translates to “gone to haul-in man” represents a girl fishing out her man, or the ulua. This sticker probably targets not only fishermen who pride themselves in the outdoor activities depicted, but to women looking to catch there ulua.
Another sticker by Hawaiian Style, shows a shaka sign, which is a common greeting gesture in Hawaii. It shows how the modern local people living in Hawaii say hi to each other in such a simple and unique form. This decal targets locals, not necessarily Native Hawaiian descendants. Shaka-ing has become more of a common thing, spreading in the media across the world, and is not a rare thing to see nowadays.
The following stickers were taken at UH Manoa on March 8.
Kamehameha is a private co-educational college prep institution focused primarily on the preference to students of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Kamehameha is probably one of the most respected schools because of their rich history and thirst for spreading the education of the Hawaiian history throughout the state. Kamehameha is the largest endowment of all independent schools in the US. This sticker targets many proud parents, students, alumni, or friends of the school. Everytime I see this sticker I get happy and I feel proud to have experienced the education that school had to offer.
The honu, otherwise known as the turtle, is one of the highest regarded animals in Hawaii, probably because it is considered to be an amakua, or a family god taking the animal form. Amakua’s are very sacred and are descended ancestors. A friend of mine got her amakua tattooed on her left leg, and after getting into a very serious car accident at Kapaa Quarry road a few years ago, the left side of her body was untouched, no scratches, bruises, nothing. She believes that her amakua protected her in a time of need and she shows high respect.
1 comment:
Good photos Kerri.
I wanted to comment on the "HE > i" sticker. It basically means "HE" or "GOD" is greater than "i" or us as people. Basically to put God first. That's what I'm told. Interesting enough the clothing company began in my hometown Waialua.
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