Aloha ‘Āina As a Multicultural Lens in Kiana Davenport’s “Shark Dialogues”
Aloha ‘Āina As a Multicultural Lens in Kiana Davenport’s “Shark Dialogues”

Summary/Abstract: This study analyzes Kiana Davenport’s “Shark Dialogues” through postcolonial and ecocritical frameworks, exploring Hawaiian identity, cultural hybridity, and environmental stewardship. At its core is Aloha 'Āina – a philosophy of love and respect for the land – which serves as a foundation for cultural survival and resistance against colonial forces. The novel features hapa (mixed-ancestry) characters who challenge colonial narratives while reflecting the complexities of modern Hawaiian identity. These characters embody the tension between indigenous roots and foreign influences that shape contemporary Hawaiian culture. Davenport connects Hawaiian struggles to broader indigenous movements against ecological and cultural exploitation. This study argues that “Shark Dialogues” redefines Hawaiian identity by creating a framework that unites environmental sustainability with indigenous resistance. Reading on “Shark Dialogues” contributes to ecological justice and decolonization discussions in postcolonial contexts.

• Details
• Contents