Task/Instructions: There are three categories on this page: Fishing, Housing and Music & Dance. Read the introduction to your assigned topic and click on your link to begin your quest.

Fish, or 'i'a, was the Hawaiians' main source of protein, so fishing was very important. Fishermen needed to catch a lot of fish because fish was eaten every day.

The Hawaiians needed to know a lot about the patterns of nature (tides, phases of the moon and weather conditions) and about the habits of fish, to be successful fishermen.

Some fish were caught in the shallow waters close to shore while others were caught out in the deep sea. The Hawaiians also built fish ponds to store fish so they would always have a supply of fresh fish.

You and your group will learn as much as you can about fishing in ancient Hawai'i. Your specific areas will be Inshore Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing, and Fish Ponds.

Click on this fish hook to begin your quest.

Building a house, or hale, in ancient Hawai'i must have been very difficult because all the building materials and tools needed to come from the land. In addition, the Hawaiians had no metal for nails.

The people also needed storage and carrying containers, cups, bowls, and utensils for daily living.

You and your group will learn as much as you can about house-building and household supplies in ancient Hawai'i. Your specific areas will be Building a House, Tools, and Household Supplies.

 Click on this hale to begin your quest.

The Hawaiians had many musical instruments. They were used to accompany mele hula, or songs for the dance. Some of the instruments were blown (wind instruments), but most of them were hit (percussion instruments) to produce sounds. Sometimes the dancers themselves played the instruments.

The ancient hula frequently honored chiefs, gods, or nature. Many of the dances told a story.

You and your group will learn as much as you can about the music and dance of ancient Hawai'i. The specific areas will be Wind Instruments, Percussion Instruments and Hula.

Click on this noseflute  to begin your quest.

Resources & Links

1. The Hawaiians of Old
2. From the Mountains to the Sea
3. Room 34's Artifacts of Ancient Hawai'i 
4. Artifacts Gallery
5. Ahupua'a