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In 1940, the Mormon chapel was accidentally torched during repairs. After World War II ended, Viola Kehau Kawahigashi organized a hukilau, food, and hula show to raise money to rebuild the chapel. In Hawaii, a hukilau is a traditional practice of group fishing where villagers gather to help pull in the large and heavy nets to shore. All participants share in the day's catch. |
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The first hukilau fundraiser took place at Laie Bay in 1948. Because of its popularity with visitors, the hukilaus continued on at the bay until 1971. Laie Beach is still known far-and-wide as Hukilau Beach because of Jack Owen's 1948 hit "The Hukilau Song" that paid tribute to Laie's famous tourist activity. |
