Makahiki 2021 - Week 3

In ancient Hawai’i, the land was not owned by anyone.  Rather, lands belonged to the gods and were managed by the ali’i (chiefs)  Each Hawaiian island was divided into Moku (districts), And within each district were smaller land divisions called ahupua’a.  An ahupua’a was a portion of land which stretched from the mountain to the sea.  These land divisions provided families the ability to both hunt and fish on one section of land.

The Makaʻāinana (commoners) were tasked with caring for each ahupua’a and would prepare ho’okupu to be presented to Lono as he made his way around the island.  The ho’okupu would be left at an ahu (altar) located at the boundary of each division.  Sitting on top of the altar was a carving of a pig’s head.  Thus, the land division was named an ahupua’a.

This week we are proud to highlight Mālama Maui Nui which is one of more than 600 affiliates of Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities.  You can learn more about them by visiting https://www.malamamauinui.org