The idea for a forum on Hawaiian military history has been kicking around since at least 1999 and finally made real in 2019. Interest in the Forum is as diverse as the individuals and organizations behind the effort. There are historians, naturally, but also archaeologists, militaria collectors, historical re-enactors, veterans and their descendants, librarians, archivists, high school teachers and students, lua practitioners, members of the National Guard and Regular forces, kama‘aina with deep roots in Hawaiian society.

Each member brings to the table a different interest and perspective, but all appreciate the importance and value behind an effort to discuss the cultural and historical legacy of Hawai’i’s military and warrior past.

From inception, the intent has been to create a diverse, dynamic, inclusive, and multi-faceted network that goes well beyond the the stodgy notion of monthly academic presentations. There are workshops, live demonstrations, and on site visits. While individuals may favor a particular time frame or field of study, the Forum encourages opportunities to interact with members outside of their usual affiliation and to engage in a kind of scholarly “cross-pollination.”

OUR MISSION

The focal point of the Forum is the history and legacy of Hawai’i’s military personnel, organizations, and institutions, from the Islands’ pre-contact warrior roots to the present day. Our mission is to provide a means to gather, discuss, and learn from one another about topics relating to the function, role, and achievements of Hawai’i’s military personnel and organizations throughout history, including various means for conserving and perpetuating Hawai’i’s military and warrior past.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Forum is limited to individuals, institutions and organizations that support the objectives of the Forum.

MEMBERSHIP

CLASSICAL ERA (pre-1810)
Thomas R Wolforth, Chair

Hawaiian society flourished unimpeded by outside influence, reaching its cultural apex—a period appropriately termed the “Classical era”—roughly speaking, between the mid-sixteenth and late eighteenth centuries. The outstanding features of the Classical era are the social, political, economic and religious arrangements in Hawai’i that made warfare a celebrated, if not inevitable, human condition in which the koa, or warrior, once played a defining and preeminent role.

Forum members that affiliate with the Classical era will be invited to participate in relevant discussions and events.

CLASSICAL ERA

MONARCHY AND REPUBLIC ERA (1810-1900)
Neil B Dukas, Chair

Unification of the Islands under a single ruling dynasty was an accomplished fact by 1810. Kamehameha I laid the foundation for a centralized uniformed armed service with the creation of the King’s Guard and Garrison Troops. A Volunteer component was added in 1852 mirroring similar developments internationally. Organizational reforms initially implemented during the reign of King Kalakaua were re-instituted under the Republic.

Forum members that affiliate with the Monarchy and Republic era will be invited to participate in relevant discussions and events.

MODERN ERA (Territory and State)
BG Moses Kaoiwi, Jr, Chair

The arrival of troops from the 1st New York Volunteer Infantry, August 1898, marked the beginning of a new era in military affairs. Under U.S. administration, the Islands swiftly became a forward bastion in the Pacific. Consequently, generations of men and women from Hawai’i have served with the National Guard, Reserve, or Regular forces since the First World War. The impact on society, politics, and the physical environment is necessarily wide-ranging.

Forum members that affiliate with the Modern era will be invited to participate in relevant discussions and events.

MODERN ERA