The Hawaiian system of land use allowed access to all resources in the ahupua‘a, a land division that stretched from mountain to sea. Within the ahupua‘a, highly specialized technologies such as fishponds and lo‘i kalo (taro gardens) ensured an abundance of food.
Our Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) ancestors achieved a rare balance between meeting their needs and enhancing the productivity of the land and sea. Their social system ensured survival from generation to generation.
In this series of three half-hour segments, ethnohistorian Marion Kelly, whose research into Hawaiian culture was her life's work, takes us on a tour of six islands to see what our modern world can learn from those who continue to practice traditional ways.
Ahupua‘a segment
Hannah Springer, Chipper Wichman, Bert Sakata, Oliver Dukelow, Clarence Medeiros, Mona Kahele, Abel Kahele, Francis Kuailani, Kawena Johnson, Nainoa Thompson, Colette Machado, Noa Emmett Aluli, Sol Kahoohalahala
Fishponds segment
Carol Wyban, Kaniala Akaka, Norman Ah Hee, Francis Kuailani, Billy Akutagawa, William Kalipi, William Kalipi, Jr., Colin Nakagawa, Jim Sweeney, Mark Brooks, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett
Lo‘i segment
Charles Kupa, Charles Reppun, Oliver Dukelow, Keoki Fukumitsu, John Kaimikaua, Jim Callahan, Dan Puilihau, Lieff Bush, Michelle Tenkayo, George Chong, LaFrance Kapaka, Kealohikina, David Sproat, Attwood Alohawaina Makanani
Produced by Nalani Minton. Directed by Na Maka o ka ‘Aina.
1992
Length: 90 minutes
Broadcast/cablecast
Hawai‘i Public Television (PBS Hawai‘i)
Māori Television • Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Televise Samoa
Community Channel • Sydney, Australia
Screenings
Hawai’i International Film Festival
Museum Für Völkerkunde • Berlin
National Museum of the American Indian • Washington, D.C.
