Fishing and Farming on the Nāpali Coast
Island life has always relied on sustainability through natural resources for survival. Although imported products have made their way to Kauaʻi, we have seen, in recent years how, much they can be affected by outside sources. Reliance on the ʻāina is a way of life deep-rooted in Hawaiian culture that still translates to today’s needs. Fishing and farming are not only necessities but also cultural pastimes that gave way to the ancient Hawaiians’ relationship with the land and sea. Native Hawaiians survived only on what they could grow and catch, so they became very good at both. 
PLANTING THE SEED
The oldest of the Hawaiian islands, Kauaʻi’s rich soil is perfect for propagating crops–but the virtually untouched Nāpali Coast makes way for both land and sea sustenance. The undeveloped and spectacularly beautiful Nāpali was a safe haven for crops like kalo, ‘ulu, and noni to flourish, as there was (and still is) no significant human civilization to disrupt the ecosystem. There is however, a large population of wild pigs, goats, and black tailed deer famously known for disturbing the biodiversity of the area. DLNR has designated 3,579 acres in the area as Hono O Nā Pali Natural Area Reserve and is working to eliminate threats to native species.
Kalo, ʻulu, and noni are all canoe crops brought to the island by Polynesians in the 1800s. These were not only superfoods but also used for medicinal healing. To protect their crops, ancient Hawaiians created irrigation systems to support farming along the coast–for their survival and to deliver the fruits of their labor to the monarchy. Although the coastal communities have not inhabited the Nāpali in nearly 100 years, evidence of their lives is still present. Remnants of home sites and heiaus near freshwater sources give hikers a portal to the past–a simpler time of living off of the land. Native Hawaiian tribes flourished, lived, and died in the valleys of the Nāpali Coast, dissipating slowly with the introduction of new settlers and diseases. However, the evidence of their early feats of engineering–irrigation systems and ditches, and manmade agricultural platforms (planting fields) are still present today.
THROWING NET
The act of throwing a net is a native Hawaiian ritual as well as a functional way to catch dinner. By putting their mana into each throw, fishermen cast their nets out into the ocean, hoping to be rewarded with a bounty of fish. The ideology is mutual respect, from land to sea, for every living thing. Native Hawaiians on the Nāpali Coast used baskets, nets, hooks, and traps to catch fish, thanking the ocean for providing. Deep sea fish like mahi mahi, marlin, and tuna can all be found in the pristine waters of the Nāpali Coast.
The ancient fishing village of Nuʻalolo Kai is located along the Nāpali and is only accessible by boat. The ample reef and cliff protection made it a fisherman’s dream. Miloliʻi is located in a narrow valley past Polihale Beach. The fishable reef beyond the beach is called “turtle town,” making it an attraction for turtle lovers and fishermen alike. Evidence of both civilizations is present through abandoned taro patches, temples, and graveyards. Both beaches can be accessed today by boat or kayak (with a permit.)
Today, fishing is regulated to eliminate overfishing or harm to the existing ecosystem. Deep sea fishing charters can take anglers along the Nāpali to enjoy the sport in a safe and environmentally friendly way. We hope to see you out on the water soon!