1 minute read
Composite Hook Point
WORN AS A SYMBOL FOR SAFE PASSAGE OVER WATER - and used as OluKai’s logo - the makau, or fishhook, has held deep cultural significance in Hawai‘i for over a millennium as a token for good fortune and strength. Traditionally carved from bone, wood, stone and coral, there were different makau crafted to catch every single type of fish and sea creature, and they were often passed down through generations. Some makau were prized so highly that they were thought to possess mana (celestial powers) and were hidden in gourds. Even in Hawaiian lore, the god Māui had a makau called Mānaiakalani that he used to try and hook all of the islands together to unite them. This same sentiment of unity still rings true today in Hawai‘i, as the makau remains a symbol of humans’ connection with the sea, its creatures and the fragile balance of life on islands surrounded by the ocean.
1. Leho He‘e (Octopus Lure) When the he‘e pounces upon the lure, it gets stuck on the bone point.
2. Composite Hook Point The bone point, or maka, of a two-piece composite fishhook.
3. Composite Hook This “jabbing style” hook was used to catch larger fish like ahi and aku.
4. Turtle Shell Hook Turtle shell was a favorite material for hooks because of its flexibility.
5. Jabbing Style Bone Hook The barb on the inner point pierces the mouth and the lower barb secures the bait.
