Ku’ula, the Fish God of Hawaii

Ku’ula, the Fish God of Hawaii

‘Ama’ama by Sam Alama

He aloha ē ka iʻa lā

ʻAi a ka ʻamaʻama

ʻAi a ka iʻa lā

ʻAi a ka lāwalu

ʻAi a ka hoʻomoemoe

I love fish

To eat mullet

To eat fish

To eat it broiled in ti leaves

Eat, then sleep

Sam Alama’s song ‘Ama‘Ama” sings praises of Hawaii’s tasty fish. 

Hawaii’s aquaculture is most important as fish has always been the main source of protein.

The greatest fisher of ancient times was Ku'ula-kai who was deified as the fishing god.
It was said, Ku’ula-kai was possessed by Ku, the Hawaiian God of war, politics, farming and fishing. Ku'ula-kai had great Mana (spiritual power) over the fish. This power allowed him to direct, control and influence all of the fish of the sea whenever he pleased. His Mana Kupua (supernatural power) empowered him to attract and multiply fish.
When he was in human form, he was devoted to catching fish for his Ohana (family). His big canoe was always filled it to the top.

Ku‘ula lived with his wife Hina and their son ‘Ai‘ai in Hana on the island of Maui. There he created the first fish pond in Hawaii where he kept all kinds of fish.
Ku‘ula honored the Akuas (gods) by offering his first fish to a small Ko’a (fishing shrine). He always caught all the fish he needed and shared his catch with everybody in the village.

To this day, locals honor Ku’ula’s teachings by preserving old and creating new fishing ponds. The concept of conserving and sharing the fish we catch enables the sustainability in our communities.

Hawaiian Art Doll Kaimana (Ocean Power) was created in honor of Ku’ula, the Fish God.

Kaimana (Ocean Power), the Fisher Boy

Birth Date: Kekemapa 1, 2023 (12-1-23)

Kaimana teaches us to see with the heart and act with compassion.

He aloha ē ka iʻa lā

ʻAi a ka ʻamaʻama

ʻAi a ka iʻa lā

I love fish

To eat mullet

To eat fish

Kaimana, the Fisher Boy, honors Ku’ula the Hawaiian Fish God.

Carrying his scoop net to the gentle waters in the bays of Punalu’u Black Sands Beach, Kaimana gets ready to catch dinner for his Ohana (family) and himself. First, he says a prayer of heartfelt thanks for nature’s abundant offerings. He then humbly asks permission for just enough fish to come to his net so that he can feed himself and his Ohana.

Kaimana has a balanced, harmonious relationship with nature. He knows that if he takes only what he needs, it will always be given freely. Kaimana never forgets to honor the Akuas (gods) by offering his first fish to the Ko’a (fishing shrine). Resting on a big piece of coral, Kaimana gratefully admires his abundant catch of the day.

Kaimana 's Mana (spiritual energy) radiates Aloha.

Kaimana is most generous. Nothing makes him happier than sharing the fish he caught with his Ohana and the people in the village, so that everybody can have an abundant, delicious dinner. Seeing their joy and appreciation is the greatest gift to him.

Kaimana knows that the more he gives, the more he will receive.

Kaimana’s Tutu (grandmother) sewed his blue Malu (wraparound) with a Honu (turtle) design and crocheted his brown tabi shoes. Tutu crafted a conch and cowrie shell lei for Kaimana. In Hawaii the Pu (Conch Shell) is believed to invoke blessings of divine Mana and provide protection from all harm.

Kaimana 's Kuku (grandfather) crafted and blessed his yellow scoop net which always catches just enough fish for the Ohana’s dinner.

All these things were Kuku's and Tutu’s sacred gifts of Aloha (Love) to their beloved Mo’opuna Kane (grandson).

Kaimana is a 10” tall cloth doll. He was individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawaii.
The body is made out of doll skin, stuffed with high quality poly fill and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face giving the doll a unique personality. All accessories were individually hand crafted.
Kaimana is not dress up dolls. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto him.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair. Do not brush the hair!

Kaimana is a one of a kind Hawaiian Art Doll and comes with a booklet and certificate of authenticity. He is a display doll and collector’s item bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii.
Every bit of Kaimana has been lovingly handcrafted to create a new friend who will last a lifetime.

Kaimana is ready to be your new friend and fish his way into your heart.

Kaimana conveys a balanced, harmonious relationship with nature.

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