Anahola, Kauai, Hawaii - Western Pacific Fishery Council

Ho‘olauna (Introduction)Prior to Western contact, Hawaiians recognized two classesof food, ‘ai (vegetables from the ‘āina, or land) and i‘a (fishfrom the kai, or sea). In traditional times the ‘ai was alwaysaccompanied by tasty i’a. I’a was eaten raw, dried or cooked.‘Ono (delicious) and maika‘i loa (very good) are words usedto describe just how much Hawaiians are thankful for thesemakana (gifts) from the sea. Hawaiians often celebrated the‘ono of the i‘a through song, chant and stories.Anahola, like other communities around Hawai‘i, are lookingto strengthen accountability for the health and long-termsustainability of its marine resources through revitalizinglocal fishing traditions and practicing culturally appropriateresource management.Photo courtesy of Kalei Nu‘uhiwa