Kauai

What Does it Mean to Be "Hapa" in Hawai'i?

Hapa is a Hawaiian word that was originally part of the full phrase hapa haole, which was a derogatory term for someone half Hawaiian and half “white foreigner.”

Today, the phrase has been shortened to simply “hapa” and generally refers to anyone part Asian or Pacific Islander and part Caucasian. However, the definition of “hapa” has come more and more to mean “half” or “of mixed blood,” in which case, many different racial combinations are beginning to fall under the umbrella of “hapa.” —Urban dictionary.

Below are photos of the most precious “hapa haole” children of Hawaii…

This “hapa haole” little girl’s mother is half French, half Italian, and her father is half Japanese, half Filipino

Mother and daughter

This Japanese/Caucasian-mixed baby loves her white sandy Kaua’i beaches

Two of the most adorable “hapa haole” boys enjoying their lunch at Hanalei Bay

Watermelon anyone?

Being born and raised on Kaua’i has to be the best place to grow up. It is truly a “melting pot” here and produces some of the most beautiful children in the world. Growing up “hapa haole” has made me appreciate all of the different cultures of Hawaii.

Darian Ponce, R(S)
(808)-346-4232
Darian@hawaiilife.com

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Martha Tumbleson, R(S)

August 2, 2011

Such cute pictures! Love the story of “Hapa”. Also love the musical group, Hapa, and now see why they are so aptly named – an amalgam of influences.

Martha Tumbleson, R(S)

August 2, 2011

Such cute pictures! Love the story of “Hapa”. Also love the musical group, Hapa, and now see why they are so aptly named – an amalgam of influences.

Rhonda Edralin

August 3, 2011

Cute photos Darian. Hawaii is definitely a melting pot! Great post

Rhonda Edralin

August 3, 2011

Cute photos Darian. Hawaii is definitely a melting pot! Great post

Karen Kiser

August 3, 2011

Darian~

Love the hapa story. These kids are adorable..

Karen Kiser

August 3, 2011

Darian~

Love the hapa story. These kids are adorable..

Judy Shiroma

August 3, 2011

Great pictures!!! Hapa kids are definitely beautiful!!!

Judy Shiroma

August 3, 2011

Great pictures!!! Hapa kids are definitely beautiful!!!

Kelly Davis

August 9, 2011

Cute blog Darian. Love the photos..

Kelly Davis

August 9, 2011

Cute blog Darian. Love the photos..

John Lowery

July 28, 2016

I lived at Pearl Harbor (Johnson Circle) across Nimitz from the Sub Base for three years. I knew the phrase Hapa Haole from that time (1960s). I have windered whether President Obama would qualify, since he was born in Honolulu at Kapiolani Medical Center and his mom was white and his dad black.
Can you confirm or deny?
Mahalo.

John Lowery

July 28, 2016

I lived at Pearl Harbor (Johnson Circle) across Nimitz from the Sub Base for three years. I knew the phrase Hapa Haole from that time (1960s). I have windered whether President Obama would qualify, since he was born in Honolulu at Kapiolani Medical Center and his mom was white and his dad black.
Can you confirm or deny?
Mahalo.

Jeanette

December 23, 2016

Hellow i am looking for Ray Johnson he has a 38 year old daughter hes never met he is hapa white and islander..she has just recently had a baby boy.& could use some info on his health. I my self have no intrest in Ray. Only for my daughter s sake i am serching..If you could help or have any idea how She can go about this it would be deepley appreciated..

Ruckweiler

July 10, 2017

Lived 8 years in Hawaii and when I was 8 years old in 1960 my parents had an album by Alfred Apaka which I enjoyed then. Just received a CD today of his last album and am looking forward later to hear “Lovely Hula Hands” again.

Robin M Wright

September 28, 2019

The photo above is not a hapa. She has nothing native hawaiian

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