Adze-making
Kako`i

Precious Tool

So makamae (valuable) was the ko`i (adze), that the Hawaiians climbed to the top of the world for raw materials. One of the best sources of adze stones in Hawai‘i was the summit of Mauna Kea, the world's highest mauna (mountain) when measured from its base below the sea. Covering 7 and 1/2 square miles, the ancient quarry atop Mauna Kea is littered with huge piles of discarded stone chips.

Kako`i (adze-making) was a sophisticated technology, developed over many centuries by the ancient Polynesians. Expert judgement was needed to select a pohaku (rock) that would not break on impact. Chipping the ko`i into its rough shape required much ahonui (patience) and ikaika (strength). The final grinding to create a smooth and sharp cutting edge was laborious. The Hawaiians had more than 20 different kinds of ko`i.

Exhibit: Grinding an adze.(51K) (Drawing by D. Kemble for M.S. Allen, photo by Jeffrey Sue)

I ha`aheo no ka lawai`a i ka lako i ka `upena.
The fisherman may well be proud when well supplied with nets.
Good tools help the worker to succeed.
(`Olelo No`eau #1152; Pukui 1983)
Lau Hala Plaiting
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