Blue Zones Project, North Hawaii

By Carol Ignacio, Community Program Manager, Hawaii Island

On Oct. 17, families, friends and neighbors came to the Blue Zones Project® North Hawaii kick-off celebration to officially launch Blue Zones Project® Hawaii.

The free and family-friendly event was held at the Kahilu Theatre and Kahilu Town Hall in Waimea, and the turnout was phenomenal – hundreds more than expected. Approximately 700 people showed up for a variety of activities including a healthy cooking demonstration by Vivienne Aronowitz MPH, RD, CDE; local entertainment by the Honokaa High School Jazz Band, Alohi Polynesian Dance Academy, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Kohala Drummers and Aunty Marjie Spencer’s Ukulele Group; plus a keiki zone that included a bike rodeo by PATH, juggling lessons and balloon sculpting by Cirque Ohana, as well as fitness demos, including the CrossFit AllStar/Ho’onani Place Kupuna Class starring several regulars ranging from their 80s to 101 years old.

National Geographic fellow and Blue Zones Founder Dan Buettner took center stage as the guest speaker and shared insights from the original Blue Zones® areas, where people reach age 100 at 10 times the average rate:

• Okinawa, Japan

• Ikaria, Greece

• Sardinia, Italy

• Loma Linda, CA

• Nicoya, Costa Rica

Applying their secrets of longevity, known as the Power 9®, is the backbone of Blue Zones Project.

Hawaii is now one of more than 20 communities across the U.S. taking part in this well-being movement. With the kick-off now in the books, the community work begins with North Hawaii’s schools, worksites, grocery stores, restaurants, faith-based organizations, residents and policy leaders, working together to create a healthier Hawaii.

Over the next three years, they’ll continue to transform the environments where we live, work and play to reach the goal of becoming a certified Blue Zones Community®. To learn more about Blue Zones Project® Hawaii, go to hawaii.bluezonesproject.com.

North Hawaii is one of only three communities in the state selected as a Blue Zones Project demonctration site. Blue Zones Project by Healthways is brought to Hagaii by HMSA.