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 Kahoohalahala
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
NĀ MAKA O KA ʻĀINA
We are Joan Lander and Puhipau (1937-2016) of Nā Maka o ka ‘Āina (“The Eyes of the Land”), an independent video production team that, since 1981, has focused on the land and people of Hawai‘i and the Pacific.
We exist to document and give voice and face to traditional and contemporary Hawaiian culture, history, language, art, music, environment and the politics of independence and sovereignty. Our over 100 documentary and educational programs have been seen on PBS, Hawai‘i public and commercial television stations, public access cable channels, and broadcast/cable networks in Canada, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Japan, Mexico and Europe.
Our award-winning productions have been used by teachers and scholars in classrooms in Hawai‘i and throughout the world, and our iconic footage of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement has been featured in numerous documentaries by other producers.
