The attack on Pearl Harbor is one of the most significant events in US history, yet the experiences of Native Hawaiians during this pivotal moment are not the highlight. While history books focus on military casualties and strategic implications, the local Hawaiian population was thrust into the center of a global conflict that would forever change their homeland.
Understanding the role of Native Hawaiian in the events of December 7th, 1941 helps us comprehend the full scope of the impact of the Pearl Harbor bombing beyond military casualties and strategic consequences.
Native Hawaiian communities in the 20th century maintained deep connections to their ancestral lands while adapting to the changes brought by decades of US influence. The islands’ economy relied on sugar plantations and pineapple farms, where many Native Hawaiians worked alongside immigrant communities from Asia and Portugal.
The Westernization of Hawai’i following US annexation in 1898 contributed to a decline in traditional Hawaiian culture as Western values and practices overshadowed indigenous ways of life. The Hawaiian language was largely suppressed, as public schools forbade it from being taught or spoken. This unfortunately led to a significant decline in its use within households and cultural practices. Over time, these changes began to erode the cultural heritage and self-sufficiency that had defined Hawaiian society for generations.
Native Hawaiians and US civilians inhabiting O’ahu experienced the Pearl Harbor attack as a shocking interruption to their Sunday morning routines on December 7th, 1941. Many families were preparing for church services or enjoying leisurely weekend activities when the first bombs fell shortly before eight o’clock in the morning. The sound of explosions and sight of aircraft filled the previously peaceful sky, creating immediate confusion and fear among residents.
Civilians across O’ahu witnessed the attack from various locations, including residential neighborhoods, beaches, and rural areas. People scrambled to find safety, unsure if more attacks were coming, while others watched in terror as flames engulfed US battleships and debris rained down. The attacks on Pearl Harbor resulted in 49 civilian casualties, including government employees, firefighters, and children, and 35 additional people treated for injuries.
Although several first-hand accounts of military personnel and their family members have been curated and archived for future generations, fewer accounts from Native Hawaiians are available today. The most prominent Native Hawaiian who shared his retelling of the day was Herb Weatherwax, affectionately known as “Uncle Herb.” Weatherwax was drafted into the US Army in June of 1941 and was visiting Honolulu on the weekend pass during the attack.
He recalled hearing a loud explosion in the early morning and was quickly recalled to his station, Schofield Barracks in Wahiawā, to prepare for a possible invasion. On a bus ride from Honolulu to Wahiawā, Weatherwax saw the USS Arizona engulfed in flames as the sky filled with dark smoke. He said that during the attack, he felt hopeless and unprepared, uncertain of the United States’ future in global conflict. This day changed his life, and he regularly greeted visitors at the USS Arizona Memorial until his passing in 2016.
The Hawaiian island of Ni’ihau played a distinct role in the events surrounding Pearl Harbor when Japanese pilot Shigenori Nishikaichi crash-landed there after participating in the attack. Native Hawaiians attended to Nishikaichi, unaware of the Pearl Harbor attacks that occurred earlier that day.
However, tensions rose once news of the attack reached the island via radio, leading Nishikaichi to enlist the help of a local of Japanese descent in attempting to retrieve sensitive documents. The situation escalated into violence on December 13th, 1941, when Nishikaichi took islanders Benehakaka “Ben” Kanahele and his wife Kealoha “Ella” Kanahele hostage. The two intervened, resulting in Nishikaichi’s death and Ben Kanahele sustaining an injury. Ben Kanahele was honored by the US government for his heroic actions during the incident, receiving a Medal for Merit and a Purple Heart.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, many Native Hawaiians bravely enlisted in the US military, demonstrating their dedication to defending their homeland and contributing to the war effort. They served across various branches, including the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, taking on roles such as infantry soldiers, pilots, and medics.
Some joined specialized units such as the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which became one of the most highly decorated units in US military history. This widespread participation underscored their commitment to their community and the nation, leaving a legacy of service and sacrifice during a pivotal moment in history.
Pearl Harbor’s legacy continues to shape Hawaiian communities and historical memory. Today, visitors can tour the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which stands as a tribute to the lives lost on that fateful day. The memorial includes several sites, such as the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, that provide opportunities for visitors to pay their respects and learn about the events of that fateful day.
Native Hawaiian perspectives have gained recognition in recent decades as historians and educators work to include diverse voices in Pearl Harbor remembrance. This shift highlights the importance of honoring multiple narratives to provide a more complete understanding of the events and their lasting impact.
The role of Native Hawaiians in the events of December 7th, 1941 demonstrate lessons about resilience, community solidarity, and the complex impacts of war on civilians. Their experiences remind us that historical events affect entire communities, not just military forces. By learning about Native Hawaiians’ contributions and sacrifices, we gain a richer, more complete understanding of this pivotal moment in world history.
At Pearlharbortour.org, we offer complete Pearl Harbor tours for visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the background and the aftermath of the attack. On these tours, you will see the USS Arizona Memorial along with other historic landmarks, including the Battleship Missouri, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin Submarine. Secure your tickets today, and take a glimpse into the rich history of the Pacific theater!