Task/Instructions: There are three topics on canoe building on this page: Choosing a Tree, Building Materials and Tools and Finishing the Canoe. Your Project Group may decide how to divide up the research work. Keep in mind that after you are done with your research, you share what you learned with the other members of your Project Group. All three of you will be responsible for knowing ALL of the information on this page so, make sure you know your information well enough to share with the others. You will then illustrate your activity for your Hui's Ahupua'a Mural.

Choosing a Tree

1. The Hawaiians of Old p.115-116.
2. Hawaiian Canoe-Building Traditions p.3-6. 15-18,19-21.
3. Uses of a Canoe
4. Room 34's Artifacts of Ancient Hawai'i
   

The Hawaiians built many canoes of differents sizes for different purposes. Whether it was a double-hulled canoe or a single-hulled canoe, much work and ceremony was involved.

When a man wanted to get a tree to build a canoe, he prepared a pig, red fish, black fish and various other things to offer the gods of the forest.

Explain, identify, or describe:

• different uses of the canoe.
• what kind of tree was needed. Where was it found?
• who was the canoe expert and what part did he have in the building of a canoe.
• the importance of the 'elepio bird in the canoe making process.
• How did the Hawaiians move the tree? 

In addition to finding out the answers to these questions, you will also be responsible for drawing pictures of the trees and the canoe expert and the tools and supplies used. You will place them on the appropriate place on your Hui's Ahupua'a mural.

Building Materials & Tools

1. The Hawaiians of Old
   p.108-112,116-117
2. Hawaiian Canoe-Building Traditions p.39-44.
3. Making the Hawaiian Canoe
4. Description of the Parts
5. Plants Used in Building the Canoe
6. Room 34's Artifacts of Ancient Hawai'i
   

 The Hawaiians used the natural resources for building their canoes. Tools were also made from things found in nature.

Explain, identify, or describe:

• what kind of natural resources did the Hawaiians use to build different parts of the canoe?
• at some tools the Hawaiians used in canoe building?
• how the Hawaiians created these tools using the natural resources around them?

In addition to finding out the answers to these questions, you will also be responsible for drawing pictures of people working on building a canoe and the tools and supplies used. You will place them on the appropriate place on your Hui's Ahupua'a mural.

1. The Hawaiians of Old p.116-117.
2. Hawaiian Canoe-Building Traditions p.25-29.
3. Plants Used in Building the Canoe
4. Room 34's Artifacts of Ancient Hawai'i
   

Those people who built the canoes for a living were called kahuna kalai wa'a. This was a dangerous job, often resulting in death but if one was sucessful he became a wealthy man. A special ceremony called "lolo" was conducted by this canoe expert before the final launching.

Explain, identify, or describe:

• where the canoe was finished.
• how the hull or body of the canoe was finished and polished.
• what natural resources were used for the paddles and sail?
• what happened when the canoe was ready for use?
• where was the canoe stored when not in use?
  

In addition to finding out the answers to these questions, you will also be responsible for drawing pictures of people finishing the canoe and the tools and supplies used. You will place them on the appropriate place on your Hui's Ahupua'a mural.

Resources & Links

1. The Hawaiians of Old ,Ch.5, "The Hawaiian Was a Craftsman" p.108.
2. Hawaiian Canoe-Building Traditions
3. Plants of Old Hawaii
4. The Hawaiian Canoe
5. Polynesian Voyaging Society: canoe building
6. Room 34's Artifacts of Ancient Hawai'i