In the traditional Kanaka Maoli society, there was a tremendous amount of respect for elders and age in general. In pre-contact Hawaii, chiefs were at the top of society and ranked, both socially and ritually, above the commoners. When it came time to determine tribal rank for the other members of society, it was often bilaterally determined and women were often given a considerable amount of authority and power. Other than these two ways by which rank was determined, most common people were equal in their status.
Politically, pre-contact Hawaii was divided into districts that were ruled by chiefs but often disputed over. Throughout all the redistricting and fighting, the Kanaka Maoli people could rely on one truth: mean and cruel chiefs could not rule and would be overthrown without question.
In today's Hawaiian society, the community is founded on principles of equality and chiefs no longer have all the power. These changes are no doubt caused by influence from explorers and through the introduction of new cultures
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