Wai is a source of life. Without it, we would not be able to survive. Wai is a way for us to nourish our bodies and care for our land. There are many different types of wai, whether it be fresh water, stream water, or water that we consume in our everyday lives. each of these types of wai help to either feed us directly, or feed us through the plants and animals it keeps alive for us to later eat. Water keeps us hydrated, helps us to clean ourselves, and helps us to sustain our 'āina. Without water, harvesting is not an option, and would not be possible. Wai is an essential necessity for human survival.
Anahulu River
Anahulu River is in Haleʻiwa, my hometown. There are many uses for this river and it is well known around the island. If you have heard of Rainbow Bridge, that bridge goes right over Anahulu. My Uncle owns a farm at the end of the river where he has rabbits, chickens, goats and soon horses. His place is called Tsues Farm and offers paddle board or kayak lessons as well as fishing times, and food from the food truck. Some of the things I enjoy doing there is that we always go paddle boarding and fishing. We sometimes fish from the side of the river and other times we will take either a kayak or and paddle board and fish off of there. Another thing that we aways do is we paddle down the river towards the bridge and go to a fresh water spring which not a lot of people know about. We take our little cousins to swim and then we go across the river to the other side and all the big kids get to jump off the rope that is tied to the big tree. The importance of this wai is that it provides a source of food, as well as a place for recreation such as paddling and fishing. The river is mostly always cold and cleaner towards the top of the river rather than the middle. The fresh water spring is always clean and clear to go jump in to cool off or even just sit and talk story at. This river offers an option for the community to enjoy an afternoon or a weekend day swimming, paddling, fishing, or just cruising.
Anahulu River
Anahulu River is in Haleʻiwa, my hometown. There are many uses for this river and it is well known around the island. If you have heard of Rainbow Bridge, that bridge goes right over Anahulu. My Uncle owns a farm at the end of the river where he has rabbits, chickens, goats and soon horses. His place is called Tsues Farm and offers paddle board or kayak lessons as well as fishing times, and food from the food truck. Some of the things I enjoy doing there is that we always go paddle boarding and fishing. We sometimes fish from the side of the river and other times we will take either a kayak or and paddle board and fish off of there. Another thing that we aways do is we paddle down the river towards the bridge and go to a fresh water spring which not a lot of people know about. We take our little cousins to swim and then we go across the river to the other side and all the big kids get to jump off the rope that is tied to the big tree. The importance of this wai is that it provides a source of food, as well as a place for recreation such as paddling and fishing. The river is mostly always cold and cleaner towards the top of the river rather than the middle. The fresh water spring is always clean and clear to go jump in to cool off or even just sit and talk story at. This river offers an option for the community to enjoy an afternoon or a weekend day swimming, paddling, fishing, or just cruising.