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Kuwā: The Netmaker’s Prayer of Hawaiʻi
Kuwā: The Netmaker’s Prayer of Hawaiʻi Before a single knot was tied or a new ʻupena (net) touched the sea, the Hawaiian lawaiʻa ulana ʻupena — the netmaker — began with prayer. This sacred chant, known as Kuwā, was an invocation to awaken skill, humility, and protection. It aligned the maker’s hands, the fiber’s spirit, and the ocean’s patience. The word kuwā means “to space” or “to create intervals.” In the act of net weaving, kuwā described not only the rhythm between knots but also the spiritual pauses — the... Read more...
Patience in Throwing the Net: The Quiet Strength of the Lawaiʻa
Patience in Throwing the Net: The Quiet Strength of the Lawaiʻa In Hawaiian fishing, patience (hoʻomanawanui) is as important as strength. A perfect throw is not measured by distance or size — it is measured by timing. The ʻupena hoʻolei (throw net) demands stillness of body, focus of mind, and respect for rhythm. For the lawaiʻa, patience is not waiting idly; it is an active awareness — a readiness to move only when the sea invites. The Waiting Game A seasoned throw-net fisher will tell you: the ocean speaks first.... Read more...
Moi Fish: The Regal Catch of Hawaiʻi’s Shores
Summary: The moi (Polydactylus sexfilis), or Pacific threadfin, was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty. Its silvery appearance, delicate flesh, and graceful behavior made it both culturally sacred and biologically significant. Today, it remains a symbol of balance between fishing and stewardship. Description and Cultural Role The moi is identified by its long white sensory filaments under the pectoral fins. Adults reach 12–16 inches, thriving in shallow coastal zones. In old Hawaiʻi, only aliʻi could eat moi, which was raised in fishponds and managed along kapu coasts. Its name, meaning “to... Read more...
Hawaiʻi Fishing Laws: Key Rules for Recreational and Commercial Fishers
Summary: Fishing in Hawaiʻi is regulated by the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) to ensure sustainability, fairness, and respect for marine ecosystems. Key regulations include licenses, size limits, gear restrictions, and protected species laws. Licenses & Permits Residents fishing for personal use do not need a license. Non-residents require a Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License (NRMFL). Freshwater and commercial fishing each require separate licensing. Special permits are required for baitfish, aquarium species, or vessel operations. Size, Bag Limits & Closed Seasons Species like moi, uhu, kala, and akule have defined... Read more...
Indonesian Fishing-Net Formula: 4-inch Mesh
Fishing-Net Formula: 4-inch Mesh Original text: rumus jala ikan 4 inch Meaning: Net-making formula for a 4-inch mesh size Key Terms (translation) awalan 24 — start with 24 meshes (eyes) tehnik seuneu regang auii batang bambu — stretch the twine using a bamboo pole while tying mabaran 30 mata — net depth = 30 mesh rows jumlah mata 384 mata — total meshes across = 384 panjang jala 8 meter — finished net length = 8 meters Parameters Parameter Value Meaning Mesh size 4 inch Diagonal opening per diamond Starting... Read more...
Feeding the Kūpuna: Nourishment Beyond the Body, A Tradition of Gratitude
Feeding the Kūpuna: Nourishment Beyond the Body, A Tradition of Gratitude In Hawaiian life, to feed one’s kūpuna (elders or ancestors) is more than an act of service — it is a sacred cycle of remembrance. Food (ʻai) is the thread that ties generations together, carrying gratitude from the living to those who came before. Whether through daily meals shared with living elders or offerings to ancestral spirits, feeding the kūpuna affirms that no one truly departs when their memory is sustained through care. The Living Kūpuna: Feeding with Presence... Read more...
Fishing Checklist: Gear, Safety, and Seasonal Prep for Hawaiʻi Waters
Summary: Hawaiʻi fishing requires careful preparation around tides, moon, and weather. This checklist covers gear, safety, cultural respect, and seasonal planning for shoreline and offshore lawaiʻa. Essential Gear ʻUpena (nets): Inspect mesh, knots, and weights; repair during ʻOle nights. Poles and reels: Rinse after use, grease bearings, check drag. Lines and hooks: Carry multiple test strengths; sharpen and sort by size. Cooler and ice: Use salt-ice mix; separate bait and food. Tools: Knife, pliers, gaff, dehooker, and waterproof light kit. Safety and Navigation Weather check: Confirm wind and surf forecasts... Read more...
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Pa‘ahana
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Maka Piapia
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