Fishing in old Hawaii not only provided the primary means of sustenance in Old Hawaii; it was the means of showing homage to the gods and ruling class. The original settlers from the Marquesas Islands arrived sometime between the fourth and fifth century A.D., according to the U.S. National Park Service compilation survey written by Linda Greene. Fishing was about social status, religious ritual and survival in old Hawaii. Currently, only two old Hawaii fishing villages exist, according to Jenna Ishii of the Kai Makana Association
Old Hawaii
When Captain Cook arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in the late 18th century, he found a people with a highly developed aquaculture ruled by nobility and high priests. Native fishermen created sophisticated man-made fishing ponds, natural ponds, nets, baskets, spears, hooks and canoes for fishing the abundant and varied sea life of old Hawaii.
Fishing Ponds
According to the National Park Service survey, man-made fish ponds were constructed for the purpose of fattening fish and to provide a year-round source of food. Shoreline fish ponds characteristically were built with stones, coral, lithified sand, alluvium, vegetation and timber constructed into an arc-shaped sea wall and at least one sluice gate. The inland fish pond was formed by creating a ditch from the shore or by constructing a uniquely Hawaiian loco kuapa. This type of fish pond is made by building a sea wall from a natural bay or building walls from two points in a semicircle seawall, according to the National Park Service survey, Chapter 1, 3 (a) (1) Inshore and Off Shore Fishing.
Hooks and Line
According to HawaiiHistory.org, hooks and line were commonly used by native Hawaiians to catch medium fish, octopus, squid and shark. The line was made of the native plant olono, known for its strength. Hooks were formed out of human bones, bird bones, turtle or pearl shells, whale ivory and wood and shaped using coral or stones.
Sinkers and Lures
Native Hawaiians used various forms of stone sinkers for fishing. The stone plummet-shaped sinker called a pohakialoa by ancient Hawaiians was designed to reach depths of 120 feet. Native fisherman fashioned lures with cowrie shells, ti leaves and stone sinkers lashed to a wooden shaft with a bone hook for catching octopus and squid. Live bait consisting of shrimp or crab was attached to hooks and cloth bags of pounded fish were used to camouflage the hook.
Spears and Traps
Spears made from hardwoods measuring 6 to 7 feet with a sharpened end were used for rock fishing. Fish traps made of lama wood were woven like baskets in various sizes to catch fish and shrimp, crafted with a funnel entrance and a stone weight to keep them in place. Some traps were built as large as 5 feet in diameter and 3 feet deep.
Canoes and Outriggers
Ancient Hawaiians were adept seafarers noted for producing the V-shape canoe for short ocean fishing and the double-hull outrigger sailing vessel depicted on the Bishop Museum Cultural Development website. According to the Kai Makana website, a V-shape canoe is currently being restored.
Current Restoration
According to Jenna Ishii, the Kai Makana organization was formed to restore the ancient fish ponds and native fishing traditions of Mokauea Island on Oahu. Only six native families live on the island. Ishii reports that with the help of volunteers and partners, the island's fishing heritage is being restored. The ancient fishing village Milolli on the main island is next to a park and subject to lava flow, according to "Hawaii," by Kim Grant et al.
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