Keanu’s Ulua

Keanu’s catch of the day and personal best.

With the COVID19 lockdown in full force, the tourists have gone and the island belongs to the locals once again. Ulua season is in full swing here in Hawai`i. Our season spans from the months of April to July. Ulua fishing island style means no boat, no sonar, no wenching it high for posing at the dock. It’s just you with a rod and bait along the shore plus muscle and courage. They are an excellent food and sport fish. Many local lawai`a (fishermen) are out fishing, perpetuating our island culture. The practice of island traditions includes the principle of “malama”, respect and care for one another and our resources, such as taking only what is needed.

Congratulations to Keanu on landing this gorgeous Ulua. It was his first Ulua and he was stoked. I was honored to be asked to commemerate his catch before returning it to him to feed his family. He brought it to me right out of the water, with the fish hook still in its mouth, so I created a couple of prints showing the hook too.

Debra Lumpkins Studio | Maui, Hawaii