Hawaiian Spaniard International Conference 2022
The Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association was formed in 2023, after the inaugural International Congress of Spanish Emigrants to Hawaii and California (1880-1930).
57 Spanish Hawaiian descendants from Arizona, California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania attended the conference. This initial congress was held by Club Universo Extremeño in Jarandilla de la Vera, Coria and Cáceres and Malaga from 10- 26-2022 to 11- 4-2022.
It recognized the 8,000 Spanish emigrants who embarked from the port of Malaga and Gibraltar between 1907 and 1913 bound for the sugar cane plantations of the Hawaiian Islands on the ships; SS Heliopolis SS Orteric SS Willesden, SS Ascot and SS Willesden. Due to difficult conditions on plantations, many families later left for California. Their descendants still live in the state, and across the US.
Primary researchers, and conference organizers were Manuel Trinidad of the University of Extremadura, and Miguel Alba Trujillo, of the University of Malaga.
Spanish Hawaiian Heritage Association Cultural / Academic Conference 2025
The SHHA has organized a 2025 Conference aimed at advancing our shared objectives through a convergence of cultural activities, encompassing research, celebration, and the preservation of histories.
​
This conference is backed by researchers from esteemed institutions such as the University of Malaga, University of Hawaii, University of California Santa Cruz, and California State University Monterey Bay.
Its primary focus is to spotlight Spanish Hawaiians as a relatively overlooked diaspora, offering a platform to safeguard the legacies of Spanish Hawaiian families from the past to the present. Invitations will extend to descendants, families from Spain, historical researchers, and cultural performers.
Our aim is to provide a distinctive experience featuring Spanish cultural activities, opportunities to delve into the heritage of our ancestors, and a chance for attendees to reconnect with Spanish relatives. The conference itinerary will include academic panels, keynote sessions, meals, as well as music and dance performances.