Date of Award

August 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Indigenous Health

First Advisor

Shawnda Schroeder

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to understand Native Hawaiian perceptions on the relationship between land, sacred spaces, and overall health. The research sought to understand how impacts, changes, land access, desecration, and land loss impacts the health of Native Hawaiians across multiple areas. Background: Native Hawaiians have a deep connection with their land as they believe it to be a relative and an ancestor. Native Hawaiians experience several different health disparities, and these disparities could be caused by several different factors including but not limited to loss of land, sacred spaces, historical trauma, racism, and environmental injustices. Method: Three virtual focus groups were conducted with 14 Native Hawaiians. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and was guided by Native Hawaiian values, understandings, and worldviews. Results: Coding resulted in three parent codes, with a collective of 11 child codes, as well as three additional independent codes. After employing thematic analysis, this research resulted in one overarching theme and three subthemes. The main theme was Land is Essential to Native Hawaiian Health, and three subthemes were Land Impacts All Aspects of Health, Sacred Spaces are Important to Native Hawaiians, and Native Hawaiians need to Protect Land and Sacred Spaces and Address Challenges emerged. Conclusions: this study’s findings which is supported by existing literature found that land and sacred spaces play a key role in the overall health of Native Hawaiians across multiple factors (physical, mental, spiritual, cultural). This study also demonstrated the need for Native Hawaiians to have increased voices and control over what happens with their land and sacred spaces. But also, that land and sacred spaces are not separated from Native Hawaiian but a part of them.

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