fishing

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.

Fisherman Kaiana Ahmad takes us out on an aku (tuna) boat for a day of deep-sea fishing and Keoki Fukumitsu shares his life as a taro grower in Hakipu‘u on the island of O‘ahu.

Fisherman Ray Kalili supervises a neighborhood hukilau, a group fishing technique, on O‘ahu’s windward coast. Ethno-historian Marion Kelly describes the use of fishponds in old Hawai‘i. Navigator Nainoa Thompson explains the art of wayfinding, or long-distance ocean navigation. And artist/philosopher Sam Ka‘ai speaks of the continent of ocean that makes up the Polynesian world.

Kūpuna (elders) and residents relate cherished traditions regarding fishing, agriculture, place names and the ahupua‘a system of land management in the Kona district of Hawai‘i island.

Kūpuna (elders) and residents relate cherished traditions regarding fishing, agriculture, place names and the ahupua‘a system of land management in the Kona district of Hawai‘i island. Together with county of Hawai‘i officials and representatives from the Kamehameha Schools, they envision a future for South Kona.

A portrait of a unique coastal area in Kona on the island of Hawai‘i, known for its archaeological sites, native birds and plants, and well-known surf site. The people of Kona speak passionately of their love for Kohanaiki and their determination to save it from resort development.

Miloli‘i style ‘ōpelu fishing

Set to the songs of the Kahumoku Brothers, this music video demonstrates a traditional Hawaiian method of catching ‘ōpelu (Pacific mackerel) off the Wai‘anae coast of O‘ahu.

Residents of the Wai‘anae coast community on O‘ahu react to the proposed Ko ‘Olina resort development and predict its potential impact on their land, water resources, ocean fisheries and rural lifestyle.