A recent study conducted by the University of Hawaiʻi has shed light on a significant 19-year gap in life expectancy among the state’s major ethnic groups. The findings, published in the Hawaiʻi Journal of Health and Social Welfare, highlight the disparities that persist within the population, with Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders facing the greatest challenges.
The research, led by experts from UH Mānoa’s Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, provides updated insights into Hawaiʻi’s life expectancy trends up to 2020. Building upon a previous study from 2017 that tracked changes from 1950 to 2010, the new report offers a comprehensive look at the current state of health within the state.
According to the data, the average life expectancy for Hawaiʻi residents stands at 81.9 years, surpassing the national average of 77.0 years. However, disparities persist across different ethnic groups, with Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders experiencing lower life expectancies compared to their counterparts. The breakdown of average life expectancies by group is as follows:
– Native Hawaiians: 77.4 years
– Other Pacific Islanders: 69.6 years
– Chinese: 88.2 years
– Japanese: 84.9 years
– Korean: 84.3 years
– Filipino: 83.4 years
– White: 81.8 years
Lead researcher Yan Yan Wu emphasized the importance of addressing these disparities, noting that while overall life expectancy has been on the rise in Hawaiʻi over the past seven decades, specific groups continue to face significant challenges. Factors such as educational attainment, income levels, and homeownership play a role in determining life expectancy, with East Asians and Whites in Hawaiʻi generally faring better than other groups.
The study underscores the need for targeted interventions that address the unique needs of different populations, with a focus on improving social and economic conditions to enhance overall health outcomes. By disaggregating public health data and tailoring programs to specific groups, researchers believe that significant progress can be made in closing the gap in life expectancies among Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities.
The University of Hawaiʻi researchers are at the forefront of efforts to promote health equity and develop culturally sensitive initiatives that support the well-being of all residents. Through ongoing research and collaboration with local health authorities, they aim to drive positive change and improve health outcomes for everyone in the state.
For more information on the study, you can access the full report in the Hawaiʻi Journal of Health and Social Welfare (2025) [PDF link]. This research is a crucial step towards addressing health disparities and promoting a healthier future for Hawaiʻi’s residents.
