It’s like saying “European” is a race
Although the whole issue of “race” may be up for debate and I think some of the 19th century racial categories such as “Caucasian” etc. may no longer be in such easy use for government agencies — I don’t know what the latest politically correct categories might be for the gub-mint race trackers.
Could it be different in Hawaii though? With so many Asian variations, I wouldn't be surprised if nationalities are used, or even were used back then, instead of the race designations that continental Americans are used to. What race would most Hawaiians have called themselves back then?