Hawaiian Fishing Legends

The Legend of 'Ai'ai

The courageous 'Ai'ai, saves his father's fishpond from the great puhi (eel) of Moloka'i and becomes one of the greatest lawai'a in Hawai'i.

Kū'ula, God of Fishermen

When a devious kahu (reverend) from Moloka'i threatens Kū'ula and his family, Kū'ula is forced for make the ultimate sacrifice.

The Fish-Attracting Stone

The lazy Kahaloa finds the fish stone from his dreams which helps him become a successful lawai'a.

See what the experts said! Click below to read about the favorite Hawaiian fishing legends of some of Hawai'i's experts in Hawaiian culture and fishing traditions.

Kumu Roy Kākulu Alameida (pdf)

Kumu Roy Alameida is the writer of "Na Mo'olelo Hawai'i o ka Wa Kahiko, Stories of Old Hawai'i" and a teacher of Hawaiian mo'olelo (stories) at Kamehameha Schools on Hawai'i Island.

Kumu Carlos Andrade (pdf)

Kumu Carlos Andrade is an Associate Professor at the Kamakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. At the univeristy Kumu Andrade teaches courses in astronomy, geography, meteorology, navigation, and canoe handling and design from a Hawaiian perspective.

Kumu Hi'ilei Kawelo (pdf)

Kumu Hi'ilei Kawelo is the Executive Director of Paepae O He'eia, a private non-profit organization that maintains He'eia Fishpond, and a contributor to the book "Ka 'Oihana Lawai'a, Hawaiian Fishing Traditions" by Daniel Kahā'ulelio.

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