Improving the health of Native Hawaiians

Overall, the evaluations of the conference were excellent and the speakers received high scores. Many participants were deeply moved and eager to share what they learned with colleagues and family. The negative comments centered on the large number of topics covered in a short time. Requests that the organizers decrease the number of speakers and increase the amount of time for discussion will be addressed in the planning of what will hopefully be another similar program next year. In summary, based on this experience, pairing a didactic curriculum with three days of immersion--that is, employing Hawaiian cultural values in daily living routines--promotes learning on several levels. Culture is learned, but also felt-physically, emotionally and spiritually. The result is a group of providers who are more culturally attuned to Hawaiian values and hopefully, better able to care for the needs of the Kānaka Maoli.