Limu (Marine Algae)

Limuhuniaula Video Launch
Mālama Learning Center proudly partnered with Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo (KUA) to create a short film titled Limuhinaula, highlighting the deep connection between wāhine and limu (seaweed) in Hawaiian culture.

For generations, wāhine have gathered, preserved, and shared this vital resource, which holds nutritional, medicinal, and spiritual significance in Hawaiian life. The film explores both historical and contemporary aspects of this relationship, showcasing women's contributions to preserving limu and its cultural heritage. It also addresses challenges facing limu, such as environmental changes and the succession of traditional knowledge holders. The video is inspired by and dedicated to the late Dr. Isabella Abbott, a pioneer in Pacific marine algae research.

The video features contemporary wāhine limu practitioners: Malia Heimuli, Miwa Tamanaha, Lei Wann, and Nalani Kaneakua.

Limu Slideshow

Mahalo to Hawaiʻi Council for Humanities for their support in funding this project and Matt Yamashita, the filmmaker behind our Limuhinaula video and all his hard work in capturing the stories of our Limu Hui.

Mahalo to Patagonia Honolulu for generously hosting the premiere event on October 10!

Mahalo Kapolei High School Students!

"Kapolei High School students in both Culinary and Photography classes had the opportunity to collaborate on a fun, immersive project with limu this year. The students were able to take a field trip out to Waikalua Loko I'a Fishponds in Kaneohe, Hawaiʻi for a guided tour of the fish ponds and gets their hands on the different variety of limu found throughout their farm, The Culinary class researched and prepared recipes using the limu varieties they learned about and the Photography students helped capture footage of the experience at the farm and the final plated recipes that were made. It's been a great experience for our keiki and we're thankful for the Mālama Learning Center for allowing us the opportunity and helping to sponsor this project!"

--Written by Kapolei High School Photography and AP Art teacher Nicole Westman

Mahalo to Kapolei High School culinary teacher Jeff Sampson and his students for the delicious limu-inspired pūpūs!

Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott

Isabella Kauakea Yau Yung Aiona was born on June 20th, 1919 and resided in Hāna, Maui. Immersed in her mother tongue, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Abbott was also raised amongst the rich diversity of the islands. She spent much of her time at the seashore with her mother to gather and collect limu and together they cooked traditional Hawaiian meals which resulted in Abbott’s fascination with algae.

This cultural foundation played a crucial role in forming her framework toward engaging with conventional science methods. Her work in ethnobotany reflects the integrity of her cultural heritage while providing significant scientific research in limu conservation and identification. Abbott is the world's expert in the ethnobotanical study of Hawaiian seaweeds and a pioneer female scientist.
From: Science is Wāhine: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Isabella Abbott

More information about Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott: