Wellness in O'ahu

Project Dates: November 13, 2024 - November 17, 2024

Location: O'ahu, Hawai'i -> Specifically in the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu, the capital city of Hawai'i

The purpose of this ethnographic study was to explore the cultural health and wellness practices of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities, with a specific focus on how these practices emphasize the interconnectedness of spiritual, physical, and environmental well-being. Through immersive field activities, we aimed to understand how wellness practices like yoga, hula, oli chanting, and meditation reflect the holistic approach to health prevalent in NHPI culture. Our central research questions were: What is ‘health’ in NHPI culture and how can it be translated into mainland practices? How do NHPI wellness practices embody the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment, and how can these practices inform broader wellness approaches?

Our research methodology involved immersive participation in various wellness activities, including sunset yoga on Waikiki Beach, hula kahiko and oli chanting at the Still & Moving Center located in Honolulu, and guided meditation at Mu-Ryang-Sa Korean Buddhist Temple. These experiences were complemented by food experiences such as eating spam musubi at a small, local canteen and traditional Hawaiian foods like poi at a Native Hawaiian-owned restaurant. Observations were made through reflexive journaling, where we detailed observations and analyzed our own emotional and physical responses, as well as the cultural contexts in which these practices are embedded. This approach allowed us to assess both the individual and collective aspects of wellness, as well as how cultural preservation and authenticity are maintained or altered in shared spaces. We were able to observe how NHPI wellness practices are tied to the land and the environment and how they reinforce the concept of interconnectedness between mind, body, and nature.

Through our fieldwork, we saw how wellness practices in NHPI communities go beyond physical activities; they are deeply intertwined with cultural identity and spiritual health. For example, during our sunset yoga session on Waikiki Beach, we noticed that it wasn’t just about the poses. Olivia, our instructor, emphasized that it was about being present with the surroundings—the sound of the waves, the breeze, the sunset, and the moon that was rising behind us. This practice reflected the NHPI belief that true wellness isn’t just about the body; it’s about connecting the mind, body, and nature, all in harmony.

In our Hula Kahiko class, we observed how the ancient form of hula, performed to chants (oli), was used as a method of storytelling and preserving cultural knowledge. Practicing hula was physically demanding, but it carried a deep spiritual significance, teaching respect for the land, ancestors, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Our Native Hawai'ian instructor, Malia Helela, made it clear that NHPI wellness practices are not merely exercises or activities; they are expressions of cultural identity and values that embody a sense of place and history. One notable observation during our time in Hawai'i was the significant role women played in these practices, particularly in this class. The four Native Hawaiian women who were also in the class seemed to have a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural connection, compared to us. They emphasized that these practices, which were deeply rooted in the values of mālama ʻāina (care for the land) and aloha (love and compassion), reinforced the broader NHPI worldview of interconnectedness between mind, body, and environment.

Our meditation session at the Mu-Ryang-Sa Korean Buddhist Temple further highlighted the mindfulness aspect of NHPI wellness practices. Though rooted in Buddhism, the practice shared much in common with NHPI traditions in its emphasis on aligning the mind and spirit. The stillness and focus during the meditation helped us reflect on how crucial mindfulness is to overall well-being, which reinforced the idea that true wellness is a balance of body, mind, and spirit.

The role of food in NHPI wellness was also eye-opening. Meals like poke, laulau, and poi weren’t just meals; they were acts of gratitude to the Earth, prepared with fresh, local ingredients that reflect a deep respect for nature. These meals connected us to the land in a way that went beyond nourishment—it felt like yet another reminder of the value of mālama ʻāina.

We also observed how the commercialization of wellness practices—especially in tourist settings—often leads to the oversimplification or misrepresentation of the cultural values embedded within them. For example, the yoga session on Waikiki Beach, led by a white instructor who had been teaching in Hawai’i for 20 years, made an effort to connect the practice to the environment and bodily awareness. However, there was less emphasis on the historical and cultural significance of yoga itself, which contrasts with the deeply rooted cultural connection we observed in other wellness practices, such as hula. This absence of cultural context highlighted the gap between the physical aspects of wellness and the deeper cultural meanings often lost in commercialized environments.

This research has profoundly impacted our understanding of wellness and the importance of cultural context in health practices. By participating in these wellness activities, we gained a deeper appreciation for how spirituality, physical health, and environmental stewardship are intertwined in NHPI health and culture. As we reflect on these experiences, we realize that integrating NHPI wellness practices into our daily lives requires a deeper respect for cultural context and a commitment to ethical engagement.

As for future research, we suggest a study that focuses on adapting NHPI wellness practices in urban settings by working directly with NHPI communities to ensure authenticity and cultural sensitivity. Expanding the scope to include other Pacific Islander traditions would also be valuable in prodiving insights into shared and unique wellness approaches. We can’t ignore the commercialization of wellness in tourism either. There are multiple ways in which this issue can be addressed, like by creating educational programs that inform both tourists and wellness practitioners about the cultural roots of these practices that mean so much to NHPI communities.