The physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of an individual in relationship to family, community, and environment is a major focus of the Hawaiian culture. People often talk story as a means of searching for and recognizing shared feelings. The feature of cultural identity is the preference of Hawaiians for employing a social order interaction style that emphasizes interpersonal harmony and avoidance of overt conflict. As an infant becomes a toddler, a shift in attention occurs. The child is no longer indulged and is expected to begin assuming family responsibilities.
Older siblings are involved in caring for the younger children.
The family's structure is characterized by what might be called a benevolent authoritarianism. Elders, the kupuna, are respected for their wisdom and experience and are often the teachers of the children. Children learn household tasks through observation and experience. They learn to be unobtrusive since to do otherwise is to risk rebuff and punishment. Rewards and punishments in the family are often meted out to a group rather than to an individual.