Mo‘olelo o Waimakaohi‘iaka

One version of this mo ‘olelo (story/narrative/history) goes:

Long ago, akua (god/goddess/ancestor) Hi‘iaka was fishing at what is now commonly known as Salt Pond. She caught  so much fish that she couldn’t possibly eat it all or give it all away. Saddened, she cried. As she cried a woman appeared and told Hi‘iaka to put the fish in a hole she dug. Hi‘iaka did as she was told. The woman put Hi‘iaka’s tears into the hole. As the sun dried the tears, all that was left was the salt from the tears. This salt preserved the fish for many to enjoy. This salt became the first pa‘akai or Hawaiian salt. The woman who appeared is said to be Hi‘iaka’s sister, akua Pele. Waimakaohi‘iaka is the ancestral name of Salt Pond and means “the tears of Hi‘iaka.” Till this day, ‘ohana (families) that are lineal descendants to this wahi pana (storied/ traditional place) steward and harvest pa‘akai using the methods of their ancestors. This salt is special for it is one of the last to be harvested in the traditional way, is of the highest quality amongst salts, and can only be gifted not bought. For more information on how to support/ donate please visit: https://protectpaakai.org/