An analysis of Hawaiian identity and life satisfaction through cultural reclamation: implications for Hawaiian well-being

Abstract

Today, the Hawaiian community faces high rates of health disparities, as well as loss of land, language, and culture due to colonization. However, Hawaiians continue to keep their culture alive, and cultural reclamation theory argues that Indigenous Peoples are healthier when they have opportunities to engage with their cultural practices. This theory points to culture as a possible intervention. We analyze data from the 2019 Native Hawaiian Survey, which examines Hawaiian identity through a sample of over 1,000 participants across Hawaiʻi who are 18 years or older and have Hawaiian ancestry. Drawing upon what it means to identify as Hawaiian, we expect a positive relationship between activities that increase connection to Hawaiian culture and life satisfaction. We find statistical significance in consideration of sacred spaces, pride in being Hawaiian, and sense of belonging to America and discuss implications for Hawaiian well-being based on these findings.