Travelers from around the world flock to Hawaii for white sand beaches, pristine weather and surfing waves.
The islands of Hawaii are known for their majestic beauty, warm weather, hospitable people and rich cultural heritage. Though some sports such as surfing are inevitably associated with Hawaii, ancient inhabitants created and engaged in a number of other activities and sports that displayed incredible athleticism and courage. From chiefs and kings to commoners, the games and pastimes of ancient Hawaii have shaped the course of history and heritage in the Aloha State.
Water Sports
As the Hawaiian islands are surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, it is no surprise that some of the most popular ancient Hawaiian sports involved water. Ancient Hawaiians often enjoyed canoe racing; cliff diving, where the amount of splash the diver made was measured; kaupua, a deep ocean diving sport where participants tried to collect the greatest number of gourds from the ocean floor; and surfing, a sport that Captain James Cook first witnessed in the late 1770s.
War Games: The Sport of Kings
Traditional sports and games that involved skills needed for battle were not only seen as essential for warriors, but also as a source of fun and entertainment. Some examples of mock war games included boxing, archery, pole vaulting and spear and javelin throwing. Cook recorded his encounters with Hawaiian boxing by describing how participants would take turns delivering powerful blows until one gave up or was knocked unconscious.
Thrill Sports
In order to show bravery and sportsmanship, Hawaiian chiefs and commoners alike would engage in a number of potentially life-threatening sports such as lava sledding, where wooden sleds made out of native woods were used on man-made lava courses. Also popular were spear catching and ku`i a lua, a form of hand-to-hand fighting that often resulted in broken bones. There are a number of accounts of King Kamehameha trying to impress European visitors by displaying his bravery and speed by dodging and catching spears thrown at him by his warriors.
Land Sports
Ancient Hawaiians also enjoyed less dangerous pastimes similar to the ones still practiced today. These activities included running, flying kites made from palm leaves and ulumaika, a game that is reminiscent of bowling. As in many cultures, racing was very popular in early Hawaii, as it demonstrated strength, endurance and determination.
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