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'Aina was divided into long strips called ahupua'a. These went from high in the mountains all the way down to the seashore and out to the reefs beyond. This arrangement gave the people access to all of the resources that the land and ocean had to offer. |
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In the mountains they could pick fragrant maile for lei, gather ie'ie vine for weaving and grow olona, the strongest natural fiber. |
Most people lived in the lowlands. Here they planted taro, banana and sweet potato. They raised pigs, chickens and dogs. |
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The ocean was a rich source of food. The Hawai'ians also used the bones, teeth, sinew and hide of fish and other ocean creatures. |
Water has always been the most valuable commodity in Hawai'i. Water access and use issues still raise strong feelings today. Fresh water equals life here in the middle of the ocean. |
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The Hawai'ians were always brilliant water managers. With ditches, tunnels and lo'i they used and reused every drop of water from the time it fell on the mountain until it flowed into the sea. They even used it after it entered the ocean by constructing fish ponds to raise species of fish and seaweed that live in brackish water. |
