HAWAIʻI
UNGULATES
Cultural Significance
Pigs (puaʻa)
History
When the first Polynesian voyagers arrived in Hawaiʻi over a thousand years ago, they brought with them a carefully selected group of plants and animals essential for survival and cultural continuity. These species known as “canoe plants” and “canoe animals” formed the foundation of traditional Hawaiian agriculture, medicine, and spiritual practices. Among the most important were kalo (taro), ʻuala (sweet potato), ʻulu (breadfruit), and animals like puaʻa (pig), moa (chicken), and ʻīlio (dog). These species were not only sources of food but deeply integrated into Hawaiian cosmology and way of life.
Culture
Puaʻa (pig) held a particularly significant place in Hawaiian culture. Beyond being a vital source of protein, pigs were offered in religious ceremonies and rituals to honor the gods, especially Lono and Kū. In moʻolelo (stories) and mele (songs), pigs symbolize abundance, strength, and sacrifice. The act of hunting puaʻa has evolved into a cultural tradition that reflects values of self-reliance, kuleana (responsibility), and stewardship of the ʻāina (land). Today, hunting puaʻa is practiced across the islands, often passed down through generations as a way to maintain connection to ʻāina, ʻohana (family), and ancestral practices. It provides food for families while providing physical and spiritual engagement with the land. Hunters develop intimate knowledge of terrain, weather patterns, and animal behavior, which are skills rooted in observation and respect. For some, hunting is not just about harvesting food, but about protecting the land by keeping pig populations in check and perpetuating a relationship that honors both culture and conservation.
Distribution
Its important to note that the majority of pigs present in Hawaiʻi today are not the same species brought by the polynesians centuries ago. Instead they are larger European pigs that were introduced in the late 18th century for agricultural purposes. These European pigs were eventually able to escape captivity and quickly became the most abundant boar species in Hawaiʻi.
Cattle (pipi ʻāhiu)
History
Cattle arrived to Hawaiʻi in 1793 when British Captain George Vancouver gifted a few to King Kamehameha I. Initially protected by a kapu (prohibition) to encourage population growth, the cattle later became central to Hawaiʻi’s ranching economy. As their numbers grew unchecked, wild cattle known as pipi ʻāhiu began to cause widespread damage to native forests and agricultural lands. In response, King Kamehameha III lifted the kapu in the 1830s and invited Mexican vaqueros to the islands to teach Hawaiians cattle-handling skills.
Culture
This led to the emergence of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) tradition, blending Native Hawaiian and Mexican influences in a unique ranching culture. The paniolo heritage remains a vital part of rural Hawaiian identity, especially on Hawaiʻi Island, where rodeos, music, and storytelling continue to honor this legacy.
