Hawaiian Puaʻa (Pigs)

Although many people these days think of feral pigs as a pest, the Hawaiian pig is an important part of traditional island life.  The Hawaiian pig is found at Luau or gatherings feeding the community, and in the stories and mythological tales of ancient times.  

In 2016 Anna Linderholm, assistant professor of Anthropology at Texas A&M University co-authored a study on the origins of Hawaiian feral pig genetics.  Linderholm's team has tested the DNA of 57 feral pigs across the islands and found the Hawaiian feral pig populations are virtually entirely descendants of the pigs brought by Hawaiian ancestors to the islands over 800 years ago.

Hawaiian pigs (Sus scrofa) are in fact an original Polynesian heritage breed that has thrived and played important roles in the culture of the islands for centuries.  

 At KIK we care for a small herd of Hawaiian pigs which we caught here on the property.  Enjoy these photos of our pua'a!