ABSTRACT
Using focused ethnography, Native Hawaiian elders living away from Hawai‘i for 30+ years were recruited through Hawaiian organizations and word-of-mouth and interviewed by teleconferencing on reasons for migrating, experiences on the Continent, and resilience. The 18 participants in 13 states left for college, work, and family. Many experienced racism, but all created community and cultivated aloha in their new homes. Most planned to stay on the Continent, although two-thirds wanted remains/cremains returned to Hawai‘i. Family, culture, and financial well-being were sources of resilience. Social workers should advocate for improved socioeconomic and deracialized conditions for all people, and base interventions on cultural strengths.
