History Behind the Giving of a Hawaiian Fish Hook

Hawaiian folklore is as rich and colorful as the islands. The remote location of the Hawaiian Islands and the early relative isolation from other populations gave rise to some of the world's most interesting and detailed mythology and culture. The traditional gift of fish hook jewelry is deeply rooted in the cultural creation myth.

The Legend of the Hawaiian Islands

One of the most revered stories of the Hawaiian Islands' origins centers on the Polynesian demi-god Māui. Māui's legend travels all over the Pacific, from New Zealand to Hawaii and all points between. He was known as a mischievous and fun-loving deity famous for some truly wondrous feats. Perhaps his most famous legend is the creation of the Hawaiian Islands.

The Fishing Trip

The story begins with Māui's mother sending he and his brothers fishing and instructing them not to return empty-handed. Fishing is not among poor Māui's skills, and his brothers tease him mercilessly. Māui responds by boasting that he will not catch just any fish; he will catch Pimoe, a giant ulua. Ulua is a catchall name for a variety of fish in the Jack family.

The Hook from the Heavens

His brothers scoff, but Māui has a secret. His father had given him a magical fish hook called Manaiakalani, which translates as "Hook from the Heavens." Māui was confident that he could hook the famous fish and make his mother proud. He baits his hook, casts it deep, and before long, gets a bite. He pulls and pulls, but the mighty fish will not rise. Māui instructs his brothers to help land the giant fish by paddling the boat forward, and warns them not to look back, lest their gaze make the line break. Hawaiian lore is full of such superstitions.

Battling the Beast

For 3 days they fight the giant beast, slowly making progress. Finally, as the fish begins to rise, the brothers' curiosity wins and they look back, causing the line to snap. The snapping of the line causes the fish to break apart into several pieces that turn into the Hawaiian Islands. Māui is hailed as a hero when he presents his mother with his catch, a breathtakingly beautiful chain of islands lush with abundant sources of food.

What It Means to Give a Fish Hook

The famous Manaiakalani is constructed of wood and bone, and is currently on display at the Bishop museum in Honolulu. In honor of Manaiakalani, giving a Hawaiian fish hook to someone symbolizes strength and prosperity, and is said to bring good luck for those traveling at sea. In addition, the wearer enjoys the prestige of being a great provider. It is not necessarily a romantic gift, but it is a gift given out of love.

About Fish Hook Jewelry

Authentic fish hooks are carved from bone, fossilized ivory and/or koa wood, which is prized for its strength, color and beautiful grain patterns. The legend became commerce about 15 years ago when a resurgence of the Hawaiian culture began to take form. Commercial manufacturers soon jumped on the bandwagon and began mass producing cheap knockoffs to be sold everywhere, but the real artisan work, handmade and individual, can still be found.

A Wondrous Gift

Giving a gift of a Hawaiian fish hook is highly symbolic and deeply meaningful. Specific carved designs add extra layers of meaning to the fish hook, depending on the specific cultural area where the carving is made. It is a gift rich with history and steeped in legend, a special treasure with roots in ancient lore.

References

• The Bishop Museum
• The Ulua...Hawaii's Prize Fish