Historical documentation of Hawaiian music does not extend prior to the late 18th century, when non-Hawaiians ("haoles") arrived on the island. From 1778 onward, Hawaii began a period of acculturation with the introduction of numerous styles of European music, including the hymns ("himeni") introduced by Protestant missionary choirs. Spanish-speaking Mexican cowboys ("paniolos"), were particularly influential immigrants in the field of music, introducing string instruments such as the guitar and possibly also the technique of falsetto singing, while Portuguese immigrants brought the ukulele-like braguinha. also immigrants from all over the world had brought their own instruments along with them to the islands.