Erin, the missionaries actually arrived in Hawaii soon after Hawaiians overthrew the oppressive kapu system. The missionaries often worked quite hard to protect Hawaiians from exploitation and disease spread by whalers and other visitors. Contrary to your claim that the missionaries "broke the language," they actually recorded the Hawaiian language in written form for the first time and promoted literacy in that language, thus helping to preserve it and empower Hawaiians to record their own thoughts, traditions, and aspirations. Yes, the missionaries sure looked down on much of Hawaiian culture, repressed its more sensual aspects, and used language to promote a dour form of Christianity. But they also viewed Hawaiians compassionately, as threatened people worth "saving" and educating to better cope with a changing world.

Hawaiians are free now to repudiate any religion at any time without fear, unlike in the kapu days, which really weren't so great for everyone.

Merry Christmas!