The Hawaiian system of land use allowed access to all resources in the ahupua‘a, a land division that stretched from mountain to sea. Within the ahupua‘a, highly specialized technologies such as fishponds and lo‘i kalo (taro gardens) ensured an abundance of food.

Our Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) ancestors achieved a rare balance between meeting their needs and enhancing the productivity of the land and sea. Their social system ensured survival from generation to generation.


In this series of three half-hour segments, ethnohistorian Marion Kelly, whose research into Hawaiian culture was her life's work, takes us on a tour of six islands to see what our modern world can learn from those who continue to practice traditional ways.
 


Ahupua‘a segment

Hannah Springer, Chipper Wichman, Bert Sakata, Oliver Dukelow, Clarence Medeiros, Mona Kahele, Abel Kahele, Francis Kuailani, Kawena Johnson, Nainoa Thompson, Colette Machado, Noa Emmett Aluli, Sol Kahoʻohalahala


Fishponds segment

Carol Wyban, Kaniala Akaka, Norman Ah Hee, Francis Kuailani, Billy Akutagawa, William Kalipi, William Kalipi, Jr., Colin Nakagawa, Jim Sweeney, Mark Brooks, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett
 


Lo‘i segment

Charles Kupa, Charles Reppun, Oliver Dukelow, Keoki Fukumitsu, John Kaimikaua, Jim Callahan, Dan Puilihau, Lieff Bush, Michelle Tenkayo, George Chong, LaFrance Kapaka, Kealohikina, David Sproat, Attwood Alohawaina Makanani
 


Produced by Nalani Minton.
Directed by Joan Lander and Puhipau of Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina.

1992