Hawaiian Fishing Methods
Kalapana was a village on the far edge of the big island of Hawaii. Set apart from any of the conveniences
of the 20th century" it was a world onto itself. No telephones, no electricity. People lived a life style closer
to that of their ancient ancestors than to that of the modern 50th state. The Hawaiian language was spoken
by all.
As a young man I went to live there Absorbing a visual memory that still delights and haunts me.
Kalapana will always remain one of the most magical enviraments this earth has ever seen. In 1993 a
volcanic eruption turned Kalapana into only a memory for all, covering it over with the flat dramatic
landscape of a black lava desert. From an ancient lush, history filled community to a baron, abandoned
moonscape in only days.
Fishing, hunting and ranching were how the Kalapana community survived.Fishing skills were passed
from one generation to the next.
Twice I have illustrated the ancient fishing methods of the Hawaiians. Once for a tide chart calendar and a
second time as a series of paintings decorating a restaurant in Hawaii.
1) Hawaiian Warrior, Kapu Sticks
2) Akia Plant with Kihikihi fish. Plant used to stupefy fish. This painting has a striped gourd and two moorish idols. Yellow and black striped fish.
3) Fish hooks with fan and poi pounder.
4) Lei Palou on pink Tapa cloth with yellow O'O' tether Lei in a Tee leaf carrying case with Poi Pounder and Counch Shell.
5) Kao - with 'a'ama crab. Has wave crashing in the back.
6) Fish Pond and Tide Trap with young Hawaiian girl.
7) Night Fishing with Torches. Water Fall.
8) Largest Hook Makau Mano - with sharks.
9) Cowrie shell hook - with He'e (Octopus).
10) Throw net fishing. Man in water with net over shoulder. Sun set.
11) Turtle - Rope Loop snaring. Eals baited stick.
12) Fish Traps - with Lau Hau and Kika Kapu fish.
13) Water Goured with fish hookes and game shutle.
14) Turtle snaring from cliff.