Is "Chinaman's Hat" a Culturally Insensitive Name on Oahu?

 

Yes, the name "Chinaman's Hat" for the small islet off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, has been considered culturally insensitive. The term "Chinaman" is an outdated and derogatory term historically used to refer to Chinese immigrants, and using it in place names or descriptions perpetuates racial stereotypes.

Efforts have been made to promote more respectful and culturally sensitive names for locations in Hawaii. Some people refer to the islet as "Mokoliʻi," which is its traditional Hawaiian name, to show respect for the native culture and history.

It is important to be mindful of such names and their implications, and to use culturally appropriate terms when referring to places in Hawaii, as well as in any other context.

If you're visiting the island of Oahu, you probably want to go to the windward side of the island. Among the locations on this portion of the island are Kaneohe, Kualoa Ranch, and a small offshore island known as Mokoli'i Island or Chinaman's Hat.

Name genesis

In spite of our best efforts to be respectful, it's crucial to be aware that this small island is also known as "Chinaman's Hat," which could obviously be insulting to certain people. However, the name's origin is relatively benign, and the term "Chinaman's Hat" is frequently used to describe it. When viewed from above, the island does resemble an Asian conical hat that labourers and farmers use to shelter themselves from the sun. These cone-shaped hats, which are often made of bamboo, offer good protection. Thus the name. No offence was meant.

Its Hawaiian name is Mokoli'i, which means "small" in Hawaiian. Given how small the island is, this name is appropriate. It's connected to a number of Hawaiian myths, but the most well-known one describes how Pele, the goddess of fire, and her sister fought a big lizard, which they eventually defeated by having it throw its tail into the sea. The lizard's back is said to be what is still visible today.

Location

On Oahu, Kaneohe Bay offers numerous vantage points from which to see the island. The island is roughly 500 yards offshore and was taken from the Kualoa Regional Park Beach. On calm days at low tide, it is doable to wade over. Many people travel to the island by boat or kayak. The City and County of Honolulu now owns it after purchasing it from Kualoa Ranch Company in the 1970s.

Shallow reef flats line the 12.5 acres of Mokolii Island, which is 206 feet tall. According to the website of the Hawaii Offshore Islet Restoration Committee, it was once attached to the coast but was eroded away by the sea. Black rats had been a problem on the island since the 1940s, but they were eliminated in 2002 by a group of volunteers. Since then, it seems as though the island is home to more birds and marine life. Right now, visitor foot traffic poses the biggest concern.

Numerous images and motion pictures depict Mokolii Island. I bet you will also be able to identify its shape even if it appears to you to be a lizard tail or a straw hat.