Fishes in Mouth

The Hukilau, a revered Hawaiian fishing tradition practiced since the islands’ original inhabitants arrived, had faded from everyday life by early 1900. But an inspiring set of events sparked its comeback in Laie during 1947.

The local fishermen who participated in those revitalized hukilaus happened to shove fish in their mouth on one occasion - some say as much for showmanship reasons as to free their hands for other purposes. Regardless of the reason, their action was an instant crowd-pleaser, and the subject of many a tourist photo thereafter.

Much of the food, fun and festivities originally associated with Laie’s acclaimed hukilaus have now become part of the Polynesian Cultural Center.