Papakilo Database Research Guide

The Papakilo Database stands as a pivotal resource for students delving into the depths of Hawaiian heritage, offering a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and linguistic records. This guide simplifies your journey through the database, ensuring you harness its full potential for your academic explorations.

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Getting Started

Begin your exploration with a webinar that lays the foundation of the Papakilo Database. This introduction provides a concise tutorial, familiarizing you with the database’s structure and how to effectively utilize its resources.

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Understanding Search Results

Once you initiate a search, the database smartly divides your screen. On the right, your search results are displayed, while your query parameters remain accessible on the left. Each entry in the results is neatly organized into two columns: Title & Creator, and File Formats, ensuring you have immediate access to the document’s metadata and the document itself.

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Search Techniques

Search by Location: Perfect for studies focusing on specific geographical areas of Hawaiʻi, this method allows for granular searches from the island level down to ahupuaʻa. Utilize the interactive map or drop-down menus for precise selections. For more targeted searches, consider using the Tax Key Map (TMK) number or specific search terms.

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Advanced Search Options: When looking for documents with particular phrases or to narrow down by file format, the advanced search provides a sophisticated filtering system. Utilizing quotes around phrases ensures accuracy, even if the phrase doesn't appear highlighted in the summary preview.

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Dive into Collections

For a more focused research approach, explore collections that resonate with your study area:

• Aliʻi Letter Collection: Delve into the correspondence between Aliʻi from 1820-1840, offering insights into political and social dynamics of the time.

• Bishop Museum Collections: Access a wealth of ethnobotanical and faunal indexes, alongside archaeological reports.

• Hawaiian Ethnological Notes (HEN): Explore translations of articles from Hawaiian language newspapers, a goldmine for cultural and linguistic studies.

• Genealogy Indexes: Utilize genealogical records for a deeper understanding of familial ties and social structures within Hawaiian history.

 

Collections extend beyond Hawaiʻi, providing a broader perspective of Hawaiian influence and interaction, such as the East Coast Collections and the Hawaiian National Bibliographies.

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Specialized Searches

• Hawaiian Language Newspapers: This digital collection of newspapers from 1834 to 1980 is an invaluable resource for understanding Hawaiian perspectives and language evolution.

• Hula Preservation Society Collections: Gain insights into the cultural significance and evolution of hula through audio collections and interviews.

• Kipuka: Utilize GIS databases for an interactive exploration of Hawaiian land, culture, and history.

• ʻUluʻulu Online Digital Moving Image Archive: Explore television programming and documentaries focused on Native Hawaiian communities.

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Utilizing Advanced Search

For comprehensive investigations, the advanced search enables you to filter by specific fields, including all text, title, creator, and notes. This function is enhanced by the inclusion of Hawaiian orthography, allowing for precise searches in the Hawaiian language.

 

The Papakilo Database is not just a tool but a gateway to the past, enabling a deeper connection and understanding of Hawaiian culture, history, and language. This guide aims to empower your research, encouraging a thoughtful and informed exploration of Hawaiʻi’s rich heritage.