About
Portuguese Migration to Hawaiʻi
A Journey That Shaped Hawaiʻi’s History
The story of the Portuguese in Hawaiʻi is one of courage, resilience, and cultural legacy. Between 1878 and 1911, nearly 16,000 Portuguese immigrants journeyed across the world to Hawaiʻi. What began as less than one percent of the population grew into one of the most influential communities in the islands—leaving an imprint on culture, food, music, faith, and family life that remains strong today.
Most immigrants came from Madeira and the Azores, with others arriving from mainland Portugal, the eastern United States, and even the Portuguese settlement in Montevideo, Uruguay. Drawn by opportunities on Hawaiʻi’s expanding sugar plantations, they brought with them their expertise, family traditions, and strong Catholic faith—elements that helped shape the social fabric of the islands for generations.
The Voyage: Months at Sea
The Voyage: A Long and Perilous Passage
Reaching Hawaiʻi in the late 1800s was not a simple journey. Traveling by sailing ship, Portuguese families spent up to three months at sea, facing cramped living quarters, limited provisions, and unforgiving ocean conditions. Ships navigated strong Atlantic currents and the dangerous waters around Cape Horn—one of the most feared maritime routes in the world.
These voyages were not without tragedy:
In 1879, the SS Ravenscrag arrived in Honolulu after 123 days at sea, having lost three children during the journey.
In 1882, the SS Monarch reported 13 children who died during its 57-day passage.
Despite these hardships, families continued to make the journey—driven by hope, faith, and the promise of a better future.
Families, Faith, and Culture
One defining feature of Portuguese immigration was that they arrived as families, unlike many other labor groups of the time. Their strong Catholic roots, cultural pride, and tight-knit family structure helped them preserve their identity in their new island home.
Upon arrival, their sun-darkened skin—darkened from long hours in the cane fields of Madeira and the Azores—led some census takers to misclassify them as “black” or “non-white Caucasian.” This often placed Portuguese workers between white and other plantation labor groups in the wage hierarchy. Many Portuguese men became lunas (supervisors) due to their experience and reputation for hard work.
Portuguese women were equally integral to plantation life. They worked side-by-side with women of many ethnic backgrounds—tending cane rows, stripping leaves, and even cutting and loading cane. Their labor, resilience, and family-centered values formed the backbone of early plantation communities.
A Lasting Legacy in Hawaiʻi
The Portuguese community helped build the foundation of modern Hawaiʻi. Their traditions continue to shape local culture, identity, and daily life. They introduced:
Catholic traditions and celebrations
Strong family-centered values
Music and dance, including the braguinha, which evolved into the beloved ʻukulele
Food traditions such as malasadas, bean soup, and pão doce (sweet bread)
Today, these contributions remain woven into Hawaiʻi’s multicultural story—celebrated in homes, festivals, schools, and communities throughout the islands.
Discover Your Portuguese Roots
Many families in Hawaiʻi share Portuguese ancestry, whether through plantation history, intermarriage, or longstanding community ties. If you’re interested in exploring your genealogy, we’re here to help.
Genealogy & Research Support
We can assist you in discovering your family’s lineage and understanding your cultural heritage.
Email: pchcorg@gmail.com
Website: www.portuguesegenealogicalandhistoricalsocietyofhawaii.com
