Unlocking the Untold Secrets of Native Planters in Old Hawaii: A Journey into the Past

When we think of Hawaii, it’s impossible not to conjure up images of pristine white sandy beaches, vibrant hula dancers, and exotic tropical fruits. But beyond its stunning natural beauty and tourist attractions lies a hidden treasure - the rich history of Native Planters in Old Hawaii. Join us on a captivating journey into the past, as we uncover the untold secrets of these incredible people and their unique methods of cultivating the land.

The Genesis of Hawaiian Planters

The Hawaiian Islands, secluded in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, were once inhabited solely by Native Hawaiians. These resourceful people possessed an intricate knowledge of the land and its ecosystems, allowing them to thrive by cultivating their own food. The Hawaiian planters, often referred to as mahiʻai, dedicated their lives to understanding the plants that adorned their islands.

Unlike traditional agriculture that typically relies on vast expanses of land, Native Hawaiian planters made the most of the diverse microclimates on their islands. They mastered the art of cultivating small parcels of land through terracing, a technique that sculpted the landscape into multiple levels, or loʻi. These loʻi served as irrigation systems for growing taro, considered the most important staple crop for the Native Hawaiians.

Native Planters in Old Hawaii: Their Life, Lore, and Environment

by E. S. Craighill Handy (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8947 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	990 pages
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The importance of taro cannot be overstated. It was not only a vital food source but also an integral part of Hawaiian culture, serving as the foundation for numerous rituals and ceremonies. Through generations of experience and careful cultivation, Hawaiian planters developed and refined various taro varieties, each with its unique attributes and flavors.

The Secrets of Traditional Hawaiian Agriculture

Native Hawaiian planters possessed an exceptional understanding of their environment, relying on observation and knowledge passed down through generations. They recognized the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and the land, practicing a form of sustainable agriculture long before it became a worldwide concern.

One example of their sustainable practices was the Ahupuaʻa system, a concept that partitioned the land from the mountains to the sea. By recognizing the importance of maintaining a balance between freshwater systems and marine resources, Hawaiian planters effectively managed their natural resources.

Furthermore, these ingenious planters went beyond cultivation and developed sophisticated irrigation systems. They harnessed the abundant rainfall in certain areas by channeling the water into stone-lined ditches, known as ʻauwai, to ensure the crops flourished.

The Planters' Delicate Balance with Nature

Beyond their agricultural achievements, Native Hawaiian planters were deeply connected to the spiritual and cultural significance of the land. For them, nature was not solely a provider of sustenance but a source of awe and reverence.

The concept of Aloha ʻĀina, or "love of the land," permeated every aspect of their lives. Native planters operated with the understanding that their relationship with the land was a two-way street. They believed that care and respect for the land would result in bountiful harvests and a harmonious existence.

Their deep connection with nature extended to their rituals and ceremonies. By engaging in sacred chants, offering prayers, and observing specific protocols, they sought to maintain a balance between the spiritual and natural realms.

The Legacy of Native Planters

The legacy of Native Planters in Old Hawaii is still evident today. Although colonization and subsequent westernization brought rapid changes to the Hawaiian Islands, efforts are underway to revive the knowledge and practices of these incredible planters.

Organizations and individuals passionate about the preservation of Hawaiian culture have successfully revived traditional taro fields, built canals and irrigation systems, and educated the community about the importance of sustainable agriculture.

Preserving the wisdom of Native Planters not only ensures the survival of traditional Hawaiian knowledge but also holds the key to our global sustainable future. Through embracing the practices and principles of these remarkable individuals, we gain insights into how we can reconnect with the land and create a more harmonious existence with nature.

The Future of Hawaiian Planters

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, dwindling natural resources, and environmental degradation, the wisdom of Native Planters in Old Hawaii offers hope and inspiration. By reclaiming their practices and adapting them to modern times, we can shape a more sustainable future for our planet.

The journey into the past of Native Planters in Old Hawaii allows us to reassess our relationship with nature, recognizing the invaluable lessons they left behind. Let us embrace the spirit of Aloha ʻĀina and honor the legacy of these extraordinary individuals, as we work towards a future where humanity lives in harmony with the Earth.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us on this captivating journey into the past and unlock the untold secrets of Native Planters in Old Hawaii today!

Native Planters in Old Hawaii: Their Life, Lore, and Environment

by E. S. Craighill Handy (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8947 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	990 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Originally published in 1972, Native Planters in Old Hawaii is the fruit of a brilliant collaboration between Pacific anthropologist, E. S. Craighill Handy, his wife, Elizabeth Green Handy, and the beloved expert on Hawaiian language and culture, Mary Kawena Pukui. Today, this classic work remains invaluable to scholars and practitioners alike as both a precious ethnographic resource on Hawaiian planting practices and as an in-depth examination of Hawaiians’ relationship to land. The book discusses basic patterns of Hawaiian planting culture, the gods worshipped, class and land divisions, water rights and irrigation techniques, tools, crafts, and general horticultural skills. It includes an examination of how people shaped their cultivation practices to the varied Hawaiian environment, and documents various myths and rituals connected to planting.

Written by E. S. Craighill Handy, Elizabeth Handy, and Mary Kawena Pukui
Date of Publication: 1972
Pages: 676
Bishop Museum Bulletin 233