Hawaiian Style Introductions
Each participant introduces themselves following the traditional Hawaiian order: place (where you're from), family (genealogy/roots), and self (who you are). This format recognises that identity is collective and contextual — not just individual — and reveals unexpected connections across the group.
How to run it
- 1
Explain the structure: each person will introduce themselves in three parts — Where are you from? Who is your family? Who are you?
- 2
Model the introduction yourself as facilitator, following the same structure.
- 3
Go around the circle. Allow approximately 5 minutes per person.
- 4
After each introduction, allow brief reactions or questions from the group — especially when connections emerge.
- 5
Close by reflecting on the threads and connections that appeared across the introductions.
Tips
Frame 'family' broadly — it can mean immediate family, community, team, or heritage.
'Place' often unlocks richer stories than asking 'what do you do?' — try it.
Works especially well in multicultural groups where different relationship-to-identity perspectives coexist.
Variations
Adapt the structure for a professional context: 'Where in your career are you from? What team or organisation shaped you? Who are you as a professional?'
Where it fits
Related methods
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Hawaiian Style Introductions?â–¾
Use Hawaiian Style Introductions when you want to: Cross-cultural teams; Community building; Onboarding; Relationship-building.
How long does Hawaiian Style Introductions take?â–¾
Hawaiian Style Introductions typically takes 20–60 minutes.
How many participants does Hawaiian Style Introductions work for?â–¾
Hawaiian Style Introductions works best for groups of 4–20 participants.
What materials do I need for Hawaiian Style Introductions?â–¾
Hawaiian Style Introductions requires no special materials — just participants and a space.
How difficult is Hawaiian Style Introductions to facilitate?â–¾
FacilitationMethods.faqA5Easy
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from University of Hawaii.