The Kava Lounge Part 8 - The 'Awa Rebellion of 1874

The 'Awa Rebellion of 1874

 

In Episode 8 of our podcast, The Kava Lounge, we discuss a fascinating historical event known as the Hawaiian Mission Crisis of 1874, also called the 'Awa Rebellion or the Kahana Rebellion. Our conversation centers around a research paper that examines the actions of Mormon Mission President Frederick Augustus Herman Frank Mitchell in Kahana Valley, Hawaii.

To provide context, we explain the Mormon Church's "Word of Wisdom," a doctrine that encourages abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and "hot drinks," while promoting the use of herbs. We then explore Mitchell's background, depicting him as a controversial figure with a strict interpretation of the Word of Wisdom.

When Mitchell arrived in Hawaii, he demanded that all ʻAwa (kava) plants be uprooted and burned, disregarding the crop's cultural significance and economic value to the native Hawaiians. This decision sparked intense resistance, leading to a rebellion against Mitchell's authority.

Throughout the episode, we critique Mitchell's lack of cultural sensitivity and his attempts to force his beliefs on the Hawaiian people. We contrast Mitchell's approach with that of his partner, Harvey Cluff, who demonstrated more understanding and advocated for the Hawaiians.

We emphasize the importance of kava in Hawaiian culture, pointing out that some Hawaiians even chose to leave the Mormon church rather than surrender their right to grow and consume the plant. We also discuss the broader implications of the incident, emphasizing the need for cultural understanding and respect when interacting with different communities.

While acknowledging the Mormon church's role in the events, we clarify that our criticism is aimed specifically at Mitchell's actions and not at Mormonism as a whole. We conclude by reflecting on the acceptance of kava among various religious groups and its potential as an alternative to alcohol.

In essence, this episode of The Kava Lounge offers a thought-provoking exploration of a historical event that highlights the complex interplay between religion, culture, and traditional practices, with kava at the heart of the controversy.

 

Paper Citation: 

Chase, Lance D. 2000. “The Hawaiian Mission Crisis of 1874: The ‘Awa Rebellion Story.” In Voyages of Faith, 59–70. Brigham Young University. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=mphs

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