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Fish and seafood have always been a vital source of sustenance
for the people of Hawai'i. In the old days, fish were caught
by many methods, including trolling, snaring, spearing, and
even poisoning. Fishermen used nets, snares, basket traps,
fishhooks, elaborate shell lures and their bare hands.
Professional fishermen with canoes and equipment engaged in
deep-sea fishing for ahi, mahimahi, and other fish.
Other men and women fished on the reef and inshore areas.
Entire communities labored to build and maintain walled fishponds,
where 'ama'ama (mullet) and other fish could be raised
and caught as needed. Fish were eaten fresh, or salted or
were dried for preservation.
Those who took fish from the sea paid honor to the many 'aumakua
(ancestral gods) of fishing. Among these were Ku'ula, the
male god, and Hinapukui'a, the goddess. Legend says that,
long ago, Ku'ula and Hinapukui'a gave their sacred fishing
implements to their son, 'Ai'ai, who then spread the practice
and rituals of fishing throughout the islands. Fish from a
successful catch were offered to both god and goddess at stone
altars erected near the fishing grounds.
Stand motionless and ready in the shallows like a heron, preparing
to snatch a fish from the water by hand. Head out to the reef
and prod fish out from cracks with a stick, or drive them
into a hand net by splashing the water with a rod fringed
with leaves. Venture into the deep ocean with long fishing
lines and hand-tied nets. Enjoy the antics of Pao'o, an 'o'opu
(goby). This mischievous fellow leaps from pond to pond, enjoying
each for a time before tiring of it and hopping to the next.
But watch out, Pao'o... if you're not careful you might "leap
into a salt pan" (get caught)!
Join AHA dancers on November 19th and 20th as we remember
the works of the fishermen of old...
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