Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 14, Number 3, 1 March 1997 — New book describes ahupuaʻa lifestyle [ARTICLE]

New book describes ahupuaʻa lifestyle

by Deborah Ward "From the Mountains to the Sea: Early Hawaiian Life,"a vividly illustrated and informative new book by Kamehameha Schools Press, addresses the history of the Hawaiians

before Western contact, describing the 'āina found in the islands by the first Polynesian settlers and how they used it. Author Julie Williams describes the sections of a typical ahupua'a, its plants and animals, and reveals the different occupations within Hawaiian society for both men and women, and how they blended together into a cohesive society. Illustrations by Robin Yoko Racoma add visual impact. This engaging, yet simple to read book will be of interest to both children and adults. It brings to life the activities of the people living in a typical ahupua'a, henee the title "From the Mountains to the Sea." There are farmers and fishermen, the chiefs, warriors and priests, artisans, women, ehildren and kūpuna, all playing their role in the society of old. Rehgious practices, recreational activities and their importance in society are well detailed. Kamehameha Schools Press

also pubhshes an ahupua'a poster of pre-con-tact hfe that would make a good aeeompaniment, especially for teachers. A eompanion text/ teacher's manual is also available. "From the Mountains to the Sea" is available through Kamehameha Schools Press.