MISSION: Find the makau (fishhook)! Lawaiʻa used different types of gear to catch fish: pā hī aku (tuna lures made of shell and bone), lūheʻe (octopus lures made of cowrie shell), lāʻau melomelo (bait sticks made of dense native woods), ʻupena (nets), and makau (fishhooks). Makau were made by grinding or cutting bone, and were adapted to the types of fish being caught. Scan the QR code to learn more about makau and other fishing gear.
Makau: Hawaiian Fishhooks
Practical, handmade tools admired as a work of art
Explore the world of Hawaiian fishhooks in an article from Honolulu Magazine. Discover how these practical yet artistic tools have evolved over a millennium, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Hawaiian fishermen. From the smallest bone hooks to the impressive wooden shark hooks, learn about the materials, designs, and cultural significance behind these creations.
3D Fishhook Model
KS WAHI KŪPUNA Hawaiian Cultural Heritage Project
Check out this 3D fishhook model from KS Wahi Kūpuna Hawaiian Cultural Heritage Project. This makau was found in the Keauhou ahupuaʻa on Hawaiʻi island.
Fish of Hawaiʻi Podcast
Bishop Museum Online Learning Center
Visit Bishop Museumʻs Online Learning Center and click on the round images to learn about Maui and his magical fishhook, Mānaiakalani, and different types of fishing gear and fishhooks. You can also listen to the story of Halaʻea, read up on the history of poke in Hawaiʻi, or listen to the Native Use of Fish in Hawaiʻi Podcast.