Hawaiian Fishing Canoes

Many and Varied

While we were entering the bay which they called Kirekakooa [Kealakekua]...we were surrounded by so great a number of canoes...I shall say with safety there were 2500...(John Ledyard 1778)

Hawaiian wa`a (canoes) came in many sizes and shapes. Double-hull canoes were used not only for long-distance voyaging but also for interisland and coastal travel.

This 2 to 3 man wa`a was commissioned by Bishop Museum in 1912. Smaller coastal wa`a like this one were a critical link to the rich resources of the sea. Sometimes as many as sixty wa`a participated in laying and drawing large heavy fishing `upena (nets).

Laulaha ka `ai a ke `ahi.
The `ahi fish takes the hook in swarms.
Said when the sea is full of canoes for fishing for `ahi.
(Olelo No`eau #1955; Pukui 1983)
Hawaiian Sporting Canoes
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Revised on August 29, 1996 by mcb