Hawaiian Land Divisions and Resources

Mokupuni

Island

Moku

district

Ahupua'a

land division extended from the mountain to the ocean

Ahu

stone altar

Pua'a

pig

Uka

mountain

Kula

plains/field

Kai

ocean

Kapu

sacred

Konohiki

headman of an ahupuaa

Kuleana

responsibility

Heiau

shrine

Loko i'a

fish pond

Malama

To care for

'uala

sweet potato

mai'a

banana plant

pili

grass

limu

underwater plants

Ulu

breadfruit

kukui

candlenut tree

i'a

fish

kalo

taro

Resources of the ahupua'a

Food, Tools and weapons, Medicine, Shelters, Musical Instruments, Crafts, and decorations (i.e. Dyes)

Kai (ocean) activities

Fishing, surfing, canoeing, diving

Kula (open land) activities

Farming, food gathering, raising animals

Uka (mountains) activities

Bird catching, hunting

Niu

the coconut tree; the MOST USEFUL plant to islanders, with all parts of the tree being used

Niu Fronds

Used to pound and firm the banks around the taro ponds

Niu Husks

used for fuel

Niu Fibers

braided/twisted into 'aha (cordage)

Niu Shells

used for bowls for foods and liquids and serve as knee drums as well

Niu Trunk

makes food bowls, hula/heiau drums, and lolonui (small canoes)