Portugal's Ambassador Celebrates 150 Years of Portuguese Heritage in Hawaii

Ambassador's Visit to Hawaii

Portugal’s Ambassador to the United States, Francisco Duarte Lopes, along with Consul General Filipe Ramalheira, recently concluded a week-long visit to Hawaii, marking nearly 150 years since the first Portuguese immigrants arrived. They engaged with officials and the Portuguese communities across Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai.

Celebrating Portuguese Culture

Ambassador Lopes expressed his delight at seeing how well integrated the Portuguese Americans are and how they cherish their Portuguese roots and culture. “From malasadas to the ukulele, maritime exploration to cattle ranching, Portuguese culture is part of the fabric of Hawaii,” he noted.

Approximately 15% to 20% of Hawaii's residents claim some Portuguese ancestry, with many tracing their roots back to the initial immigrants who came to work on the plantations 150 years ago. Today, these communities thrive, showcasing their unique characters while sharing a strong pride in their heritage.

Cultural Centers and Heritage

Ramalheira highlighted the connection between generations of Portuguese in Hawaii, noting that there is already a Portuguese cultural center on Maui, with plans for additional centers in Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai.

Strengthening Ties

The visit included significant stops, such as the State Archives, Pearl Harbor, and meetings with Indo-Pacific Command and local leaders. Lopes emphasized the historical alliance between Portugal and the U.S., particularly in military and defense matters, and discussed shared interests in tourism, housing, and energy transition.

Consular Services for the Community

To better serve the Portuguese nationals in Hawaii, they also organized pop-up consular services, allowing residents to access necessary documents without traveling to San Francisco.

While the number of Portuguese citizens in Hawaii is limited, thousands identify with their Portuguese ancestry. Portugal’s officials are committed to ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots, including fostering sister city programs between Hawaii and cities in Portugal.

“The Portuguese touch is now part of the soul of Hawaii,” Lopes concluded.