One Celebration, Six Cultures: Thanksgiving in the Polynesian Islands
Giving Thanks Across Polynesia
Thanksgiving is a treasured holiday that brings families and friends together to celebrate gratitude, abundance, and the joy of sharing a meal.
While the holiday’s roots are firmly planted in mainland American history, Hawaiʻi has embraced Thanksgiving in its own distinctive way. Thanksgiving celebrations vary from island to island, but the gratitude remains a common thread woven throughout Polynesian cultures.
Let’s look at the six island nations represented at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Hawai’i and the Season of Makahiki
Long before the arrival of Thanksgiving in Hawaiʻi, Native Hawaiians observed Makahiki, a four-month season of peace, celebration, and thanksgiving that generally spans from October through February.
Dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian god associated with agriculture, fertility, and abundance, Makahiki was a time to honor the gifts of the land and sea.
During this sacred season, warfare was forbidden, labor was greatly reduced, and communities gathered to rest, feast, play games, and strengthen social bonds. Offerings were presented to chiefs; prayers of gratitude were offered, and people celebrated the hope of a prosperous harvest season.
Makahiki reflected a deep appreciation for the blessings of life and a commitment to community well-being.
Thanksgiving Celebrations in American Samoa
As a U.S. territory, American Samoa celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, much like communities throughout the mainland United States. Family is at the heart of the holiday, and gatherings often center on spending time with loved ones, sharing abundant meals, and expressing appreciation for life blessings.
Aotearoa: Matariki, the Māori New Year
Aotearoa (New Zealand) celebrates Matariki, the Māori New Year, which is marked by the reappearance of the Pleiades star cluster during the winter months of June and July.
Traditionally, Matariki is a time to honor those who have passed away, make goals for the coming year, express gratitude for the present, and look forward with hope for the coming year.
Historically, celebrations included gathering to observe the stars, remembering loved ones, and offering food as a gesture of thanks and respect. The season was also closely connected to traditional food sources.
Today, Matariki is celebrated throughout New Zealand with community events, cultural performances, educational activities, and opportunities for reflection. The holiday encourages people to reconnect with family, community, and the natural world while embracing themes of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal.
Fiji: Yaqona and Gestures of Thanks
Expressions of gratitude are deeply embedded in Fijian culture. One of the most meaningful traditions is the presentation of yaqona (kava root), a ceremonial gift that symbolizes respect, acceptance, and appreciation. In many villages, this custom continues to welcome visitors and strengthen community relationships.
Fijians also express gratitude through obo, a gesture of three claps used to show respect and appreciation. Whether during ceremonies, cultural performances, or community gatherings, obo serves as a simple yet powerful acknowledgment of gratitude.
Giving Thanks in Tahiti: Celebration of Matari'i
In Tahiti, the annual celebration of Matariʻi marks the return of the Pleiades star cluster and the beginning of a season of abundance. Observed around November 20, this vibrant cultural event brings communities together through music, dance, traditional ceremonies, and feasting. It is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the land and sea and to celebrate renewal and prosperity.
Tonga Traditions and the First Harvest Offering
In Tonga, gratitude is closely tied to the harvest season. Through a tradition known as polopolo, the first and finest crops, often yams, are presented to the Tuʻi Tonga, the traditional sacred ruler. This offering recognizes the blessings of a successful harvest and reinforces the connection between the people, their land, and their cultural heritage.
Experience Polynesia This Thanksgiving
If traveling across the Pacific to experience these diverse island cultures sounds beyond reach, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers a remarkable alternative with tickets to the Islands of Polynesia. Here, guests can explore the traditions, stories, music, dance, and hospitality of six Pacific island cultures, all in one destination. Buy your tickets now and enjoy each island village and immerse yourself in each culture!
While the Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, it welcomes guests on the Wednesday before the holiday, providing a memorable way to celebrate the season of gratitude while discovering the rich heritage and enduring spirit of Polynesia.
Whether your Thanksgiving table features turkey, kalua pork, or a little of both, the values of gratitude, family, and community remain at the heart of the celebration.
Hauʻoli Lā Hoʻomaikaʻi! May your Thanksgiving be filled with aloha, abundance, and cherished time with loved ones.