Limu - Seaweed
Resources
"Limu" is the general name for aquatic to semi-aquatic life forms with a similar shape or form. It is generally recognized that in Hawaiʻi, older women are the knowledgeable bunch when it comes to limu matters. This is true because limu gathering is generally done by women who wade out into the water when the tide is low (Reed 1907, Setchell 1905). Limu gathering is done in various ways depending on the type of limu and where and how it grows. Limu gathering was generally done by women and children, except when limu was in rougher deep waters. Some limu detaches from substrate and is easily collected when floating in the water or cast ashore in the drift (Abbott 1996, MacCaughey 1916, Reed 1907).
Some limu are seasonal (limu paheʻe, limu ʻeleʻele, līpoa) while others can be found year around (limu kohu, limu wāwaeʻiole). And there are certain times that are good for picking limu, based on the quarter phases of the moon because of the mild tide fluctuations making it less likely that the limu will be "sunburnt", or a couple days after heavy rains for limu kohu because the limu will be longer. Some kupuna talk about limu growing in different parts of the islands based on the water conditions (nutrients, temperature, salinity, etc.).
A common theme encountered during this research is that the limu is not like it used to be. Whether the taste is different or it isn't abundant like before, it seems that th at limu is changing because of social and environmental changes. One reason for this change could be a combination of pollution of our waters and greediness of some people who take everything they can get. The trend seems to be the same for fish according to many casual conversations with old-timer fisherman who can reminisce about more abundant times.
Limu was sometimes used in ceremonies (limu kala) and one used for cursing (limu ʻaiʻaki).
Exerpts by Kamaui Aiona: https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle/10125/7016/uhm_ms_3813_r.pdf?sequence=2
Some limu are seasonal (limu paheʻe, limu ʻeleʻele, līpoa) while others can be found year around (limu kohu, limu wāwaeʻiole). And there are certain times that are good for picking limu, based on the quarter phases of the moon because of the mild tide fluctuations making it less likely that the limu will be "sunburnt", or a couple days after heavy rains for limu kohu because the limu will be longer. Some kupuna talk about limu growing in different parts of the islands based on the water conditions (nutrients, temperature, salinity, etc.).
A common theme encountered during this research is that the limu is not like it used to be. Whether the taste is different or it isn't abundant like before, it seems that th at limu is changing because of social and environmental changes. One reason for this change could be a combination of pollution of our waters and greediness of some people who take everything they can get. The trend seems to be the same for fish according to many casual conversations with old-timer fisherman who can reminisce about more abundant times.
Limu was sometimes used in ceremonies (limu kala) and one used for cursing (limu ʻaiʻaki).
Exerpts by Kamaui Aiona: https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle/10125/7016/uhm_ms_3813_r.pdf?sequence=2