Women in Hawai`i have a long tradition of strength, courage, creativity, beauty and vitality.  Traditionally, they are hard workers who also play hard, are known for their tremendous love and caring for family and community, have been renowned for wise, compassionate leadership, and have been known to fight as formidable warriors when necessary.  Surfing, canoeing (sometimes inter-island), fishing, gathering from reefs and forests, pounding kapa, community leadership and many other skilled activities have traditionally kept wahine healthy and strong.  Today, the tradition continues with the many wahine leading in arts, science, academia, traditional practices, sports and health.