Expert: Malia - 8/14/2009

Question
I recently visited Maui & purchased 2 fish hook necklaces.  I was told that there is a custom/legend regarding the fish hook.  Unfortunately, I do not remember exactly the meaning & since I am giving them as gifts I would like to include or explain the  significance of the gift.  As I recall the hook captures the spirit of the giver & all good things/thoughts & remains with the one who wears it.  I know it was much more meaningful than this & had something to do with a deceased person with carvings on it of the family /tribe.
Thank you for your help.

Answer
Aloha,
If you offer someone a Hawaiian fish hook, you are giving them your love or respect. Not necessarily romantic love, but it is a connection you are
offering them and here is the original legend:

The most famous fishhook in the Pacific is the Manaiakalani (Hook from the Heavens).
This legendary hook is said to be the one demi-god Māui used to lure the great ulua, Pïmoe, from the depths of the sea. For two days and nights the giant fish pulled on the line while Māui’s brothers struggled to keep the canoe afloat and paddled for shore. They were careful not to look at Pïmoe, lest he turn himself into an island to avoid capture. But closing into shore, they turned and gazed at Pïmoe. As they did so, the line broke and the magical ulua became a solid island that would no longer move. Māui freed Manaiakalani and threw it into the sky, where it formed a constellation now known as Scorpio.



Often wearing a fish hook as a family heirloom is the same as a family coat of arms or tattoo. It represents the family, the heritage etc. Nowadays most fish hooks are worn for decorative purposes but especially old men who wear them still have the original family fish hook with carvings from their ancestors.

Hope this helps
Malia