A Hawaiian tradition that strengthens bodies, bonds and heritage

Spearfishing, a traditional practice deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, goes beyond just providing food; it plays a crucial role in supporting community health. A recent study conducted by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health sheds light on the physical and cultural benefits of spearfishing, offering valuable insights into how this activity can promote well-being across the islands.

Published in PLOS One, the study was led by Lauryn Hansen, a 2023 Master of Public Health graduate and current Grau Fellow with Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, along with Catherine Pirkle, a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences. The researchers delved into how spearfishing contributes to physical activity, cultural identity, food security, and a strong connection to nature and community.

Spearfishing in the Pacific is not just a means of catching fish; it is a living tradition steeped in Indigenous knowledge and community values. This practice, which dates back to the Hawaiian Kingdom era, remains a physically demanding and culturally significant activity that bolsters food security and strengthens social ties. Passed down through generations, spearfishing serves as a vital link between people, their heritage, and the environment.

“Our findings underscore the widespread practice of spearfishing among Indigenous and rural communities in Hawaiʻi,” said Hansen. “By recognizing and supporting activities that celebrate cultural identity, we can develop public health strategies that resonate with the values of our communities.”

The study also revealed that spearfishing offers numerous physical health benefits, though it is often overlooked in formal health promotion efforts and public health data collection. Drawing data from the 2019 and 2020 Hawaiʻi Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, the researchers found that approximately 25% of adults in Hawaiʻi have engaged in spearfishing at some point in their lives. Participation rates were notably higher among men, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and rural residents of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. Those who had participated in spearfishing were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines compared to non-participants.

Rodrigo Barbano Weingrill, a researcher at the UH Institute for Biogenesis Research and an avid spearfisher, emphasized that spearfishing is not just a sport but a way of life in Hawaiʻi. He highlighted how the activity promotes strength, endurance, and a healthy lifestyle, all of which contribute to cardiovascular health.

The study’s findings were presented at the International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress in Paris, showcasing the positive impact of spearfishing on well-being. By bridging traditional practices with modern health strategies, the research offers a blueprint for public health programs that are not only effective but also culturally meaningful to the communities they serve.

In conclusion, spearfishing stands out as a Hawaiian tradition that not only strengthens bodies and bonds but also preserves and honors the rich heritage of the islands. Through further research and advocacy, spearfishing can continue to be recognized as a valuable tool for promoting community health and well-being in Hawaiʻi.