Reclaiming 'Āina Health in Waimānalo

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health Vol. 17; no. 14; p. 5066
• Main Authors: Keli'iholokai, LeShay, Keaulana, Samantha, Antonio, Mapuana C K, Rogerson, Ikaika, Deitschman, Kirk, Kamai, Joseph Awa, Albinio, Luana, Wilson, Kilauea, Kepa, Dawn, Makua, Kuaiwi Laka, Vegas, J Kahaulahilahi, Chung-Do, Jane J, Ho, Jr, Kenneth, Ho-Lastimosa, H Ilima
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 14-07-2020; MDPI
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude to Health; Community; Environmental changes; Ethnicity; Female; Focus groups; Hawaii; Health care; Health disparities; Health Status; Humans; Male; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; Native peoples; Privatization; Qualitative research; Spirituality; Trauma; Hawaii; community-based; native Hawaiian; environment; qualitative; indigenous; health; land
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17145066

Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) worldviews of health emphasize pono (righteousness) and lōkahi (balance), which extends to include relationships with other people, akua (spiritual realm), and 'āina (land). The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the role of 'āina and 'āina connection in health and resilience based on the perspectives of 12 Kānaka Maoli adults from the Waimānalo community. Three major themes were identified: 'Āina is everything, 'āina is health, and community healing through community-led initiatives. A better understanding of 'āina connection is important to improve our knowledge of Hawaiian health. A connection to 'āina may specifically address health concerns resulting from historical trauma and environmental changes.