Coastal and Marine Resource Use
Mākaha Beach offers ideal conditions for recreational pursuits from swimming to surfing to spear fishing.
Source: CZM Hawai‘iSurfing, swimming, snorkeling, and paddling are just a few of the many recreational uses of the coastal and marine environment. Coral reefs and the surrounding ocean support a diverse mix of commercial, recreational, and cultural activities in Wai‘anae and throughout Hawai‘i. Fishing is a major recreational and commercial activity in the nearshore waters along the Wai‘anae coast.
Marine resources are a critical element to the continuation of traditional
and cultural practices of the Hawaiians. Along with coastal and marine resource
use is responsibility (kuleana) for the care and protection of these valuable
resources. Managing coastal and marine resource use in a manner that is sustainable
and will enable future generations to enjoy the benefits of the sea in Hawai‘i
is one of the state's most significant challenges.
All the food we could eat from the shoreline...
"My days of picking limu are over. My, but those were good days. We collected ‘ina wana too, the small sea urchins. We pounded the whole thing and put the gravy from that on poke. Oh, it's so delicious. We collected salt, too, in those small holes in the papa [reef]. When the waves were big, Nama would say they were washing the papa. Then when the tide would go down, the sea water in the small holes would evaporate and we'd collect that clean, fine, fine salt. In those days, I don't remember people leaving their palu, the bait, in the holes. Not like today. You find all kinds of rubbish on the shoreline. People are kapulu now. Some even shee shee in the papa holes. No way we can collect salt now."
– Genevieve Akana Nahulu, Nānākuli resident
This section discusses the major coastal and marine resource uses within the
region, including recreation and tourism and fishing, with
additional discussion of the issues and threats to
these resources and management programs in place
to protect them.
Related Reference
Yarber, Y. 1991. Genevieve Akana Nahulu of Nanakuli, A Life History. Hawaii Department of Education. Honolulu, HI.
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