Who were the first people to live on Hawaii What kind of house did they in?

The earliest known settlers of the Hawaiian Islands, known as the Original Polynesians, were skilled seafarers who arrived in the islands between the 4th and 6th centuries CE. These settlers are believed to have originated from East Asia, potentially regions like Taiwan, Southeast Asia, or even the Marquesas Islands. They arrived in canoes equipped with navigational techniques and brought essential tools and crops, including taro, sweet potatoes, and sugar cane.

Types of Houses:

Early Hawaiian homes were designed to suit the tropical climate and resource availability of the islands. Hawaiian dwellings showcased impressive craftsmanship using locally sourced materials. Here are a few types of houses used by the early Hawaiians:

1. Hale Pili:

- Meaning "grass house" in Hawaiian, hale pili was a common type of dwelling.

- They were constructed with a rectangular or oval shape, with a thatched roof.

- Grass, such as pili or lau hala (pandanus leaves), was interwoven to create the roofing material.

- Hale pili provided shelter from the sun and rain, and the thatching helped to keep the interiors cool.

2. Hale Wa'a:

- Hale wa'a translates to "canoe house" and referred to dwellings specifically built for storing canoes and other watercraft.

- They were typically long, low structures with a thatched roof and an open front facing the sea.

- Their proximity to the water allowed canoes to be easily launched and retrieved.

3. Hale Noho:

- Hale noho means "living house" and were residential dwellings where people lived.

- These houses had a rectangular or oval shape and were constructed with wooden posts, thatching, and plant materials.

- They were often raised on platforms to keep the interiors dry and to provide ventilation.

4. Hale Pohaku:

- Hale pohaku, or "stone house," were significant structures usually reserved for chiefs or kahunas (priests).

- These houses were more substantial and durable compared to other types, featuring stone foundations and walls built from lava rocks.

- They were designed for strength, permanence, and as symbols of power and prestige.

5. Hale Lana:

- Hale lana were simple shelters without walls, offering shade and rest during warm weather.

- These shelters consisted of a thatched roof supported by wooden posts.

These dwellings showcased the skills and ingenuity of early Hawaiian people in adapting to their environment. Their architecture reflected not only practical needs but also cultural values and traditions, contributing to the rich heritage of Hawaiian culture and architecture.