Puerto Ricans of Hawaii: Immigrants and Migrants

Abstract

The migration of the Puerto Ricans to New York is very well kniown. However, little if anything is known of an immigration that took place at the beginning of this century when approximately five thousand Puerto Ricans were invited to the islands of Hawaii. The immigration to Hawaii was atypical of both the newcomers and the new land as compared to other Puerto Rican migrations. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to obtain a demographic sketch of the Puerto Ricans in Hawaii and some of their experiences in the archipelago and (b) to expose in general terms, areas in which Puerto Ricans have contributed to the Hawaiian cultural mosaic. One hundred nineteen interviews were conducted with individuals representing a cross-section of the Puerto Rican community of the islands. Findings indicate that the Puerto Ricans of Hawaii are under-counted in both the National and State Census. The group is not perceived as having political clout. Ninety percent of the Puerto Ricans of Hawaii were born there and identify with the islands. They have less formal education than the majority of Hawaii's population. Their percentage of unemployment is low in the archipelago. The group is residentially stable and primarily urban. They have preserved and transmitted their heritage and tradition. This group has remained disconnected from Puerto Rico. Few have returned to the Caribbean and the group has not been replenished by later immigrants from their home islands.