Hawaiian Culture and Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is a part of the daily lives in Hawaiian culture.  The connection to the land is of high value; the land has life so we must respect, take care of, and appreciation all aspects of the power that 'aina has.  Hawaiian culture utilizes play without one noticing; hiking, fishing, gathering (from mauka to makai), hula, farming, surfing, paddling, makahiki games, etc.  Through outdoor play, children get to have fun and learn new things.

Holoholo kai (gathering food from the ocean)

Bottom fishing for dinner

Great night time activity, fishing.

Another paddling field trip.  Learning cultural values while enjoying outdoor play that was extremely fun.

    

Culture at heart.  Community gathering that is fun, provides food, and cultural education.

Our paddling youth hiked up to the cross in Hana.

Hiking through a bamboo forest in Hana

 

Family paddling fun.

Beach fun for the family.

Hula

 

The Importance of Outdoor PLay for Children

http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2010/outdoor-play

Outdoor Fun

Is Outdoor Play Important?

Outdoor play is very important for everyone.  Culturally, outdoor play is a connection to the 'aina which is a foundation of Hawaiian culture.  Being able to connect, appreciate and love the 'aina in turn brings piece and love into your life.  The land has life, and having the relationship adds greatness to anyone's life.

Outdoor play is not only good for physical development, but for mental and emotional development also.  By being physically active, it improves overall health.  Play can relieve stress, add happiness to everyone's lifestyle, and is great quality time for families. 

As a parent, we are a very active family.  Sports in our life include soccer, wrestling, volleyball, basketball, futsal, and paddling.  Besides being a parent, my husband and I are either the coach or assistance for many of these.  Along with sports, outdoor play include hiking, swimming, fishing, surfing, hunting, and paddling.  These activities not only keep us physically healthy, but it makes our family a lot stronger as we do these outdoor play together.

Get out, get active, and play!