Ike kuuna limu: learning about Hawaii's limu

Abstract

Limu, especially the edible marine algae, play an important part in Hawaiian culture. Limu has nutritional, spiritual, and social value for Hawaiians. Over 200 different Hawaiian names of limu have been documented. Positive scientific identification for most of these names, however, is lacking. By meeting and talking with a variety of limu-knowledgeable peoples, a great deal of information was recorded. positive identifications as well as uses for some of these limu have been documented and recorded as a resource for future generations. The limu database, constructed as a part of this research, contains information from published sources, audio and video recordings, and personal interviews conducted for this thesis. This database should be considered a launching point for future research and not a completed work. It is expected that the work will continue as new generations learn more and more.