Challenges, both physical and mental, were played as games, competitions and as part of celebrations. The games trained warriors and taught the Hawaiian culture to the next generation. Ancient Hawaiians used stone or wood with pebbles to play a game similar to checkers, made darts and arrows from sugar cane, used coconuts for lawn bowling, and flew kites made of natural materials.
Hand and wrist wrestling, hand-to-hand fighting, tug-of-war, chest and foot pushing, finger hooking, races, wrestling, pole vaulting, fencing, and spear and boomerang events
were held to develop strength, agility and train for battle.
Water activities ranged from cliff diving, swimming, free diving for gourdes, canoeing, body and board surfing and sports fishing. Wooden sleds, stone ramps and banana leaves were used for downhill racing reaching high speeds. Fire throwing and javelin throwing and catching, and team sports were all a part of the Hawaiian Olympics.
Competitions were held during, Makahiki season, the fall harvest when taxes were paid to chiefs and as part of special ceremonies honoring Hawaiian gods.
During this season women were allowed to participate in some of the sports like surfing. Many games and activities served as fun past times that are still enjoyed in the islands today.
As a result of this physical activity, good food sources, which involved labor for agriculture, and habits of cleanliness, the ancient Hawaiians experienced a healthy lifestyle as compared to other island cultures. This lifestyle included an understanding of anatomy, masssage, herbal medicines and prayer to treat the mind, body and spirit.
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Hawaiian Olympics
Photo from Paradise of the Pacific,, January 1906