During my transformative semester at Brigham Young University Hawaii, I was fortunate to forge enduring friendships with several Samoan peers. Immersed in a melting pot of cultures, it became clear that the Samoan identity is an integral thread in the vibrant fabric of Polynesian heritage. The distinctions and commonalities within the Samoan culture are as…
Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures often get confused with one another due to their geographical proximity. From the beautiful leis and hula dancing to the traditional tattoos and music, it’s easy to see why many folks believe these two cultures are the same. Several key distinctions between Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures make them distinctly different. The…