What Is the Significance of Maui Hook Necklaces?

If you’re familiar with Polynesian folklore or have ever watched the 2016 Disney movie Moana, it shouldn’t surprise you that the demigod, Maui, wields a larger-than-life fish hook created to bring him good luck and prosperity on all his travels. While no such giant hook exists (that we know of!), hook of Maui necklaces have become a popular accessory in recent years, bestowing wearers with the same good luck Maui had in the myth.

About Maui Hook Necklaces

While they may be called different things, the fish hook has similar meanings for both Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures. The Maori people of New Zealand generally refer to the fish hook as “hei matau." Ancestors tell a tale of the great mariner, Maui, who, by using only his woven line and a hand-carved hook, pulled up the island of New Zealand from the ocean. The hei matau is a national treasure to the Maori people, representing not only their land but also prosperity and safe passage over water.

Traditionally carved from whale bones, contemporary fish hooks are now almost exclusively carved from cattle bones—which are more prominent and ethically sourced. There are exceptions; however, when one discovers whale bones on the beach, they can be used for hand-carved hooks, but this an infrequent occurrence. 

Gift a Hook of Maui Necklace To:

• Surfers
• Hawaiians
• Travelers
• Friends
• Family

History of the Makau Hook in Hawaii

Similarly, the Hawaiian hook of Maui has been around for thousands of years and holds a special place in sacred Hawaiian mythology. In Hawaii, the traditional fish hook is called a Makau, but the one Maui uses throughout Hawaiian myths is called a Manaiakani. Just like in the Maori legend from New Zealand, Maui uses his hook to pull up the islands that we now know as the Hawaiian Islands during a fishing trip with his brothers.

Why Do People Wear Maui Necklaces?

Hawaiian fishermen began using these traditional hooks to fish and later fashioned them into necklaces to wear for good luck and safe travel across the oceans. These days, hook of Maui necklaces have become even more popular as unique gifts for people around the world.

What Materials Are Used to Make Hook of Maui Necklaces?

Traditionally, these fish hooks were hand-carved by fishermen from whale bones, as a nod to the fact that the sea was a place of beauty and supplied all needs, allowing traditional Hawaiian people self-sufficiency. However, as whales became a protected species, fishermen began to carve hook of Maui pendants from cattle bones, shells, wood, or precious stones.

Popular Materials Used for Hook of Maui Necklaces

Today, there are many materials that artisans use to make Maui hook necklaces, and depending on your style, there are options for everyone, whether you’re searching for a fish hook gift or one for yourself! We’ve compiled a little information about each of our favorite materials, so you can decide which hook of Maui necklace is right for you:

1. Steller’s Sea Cow Bone 

Steller’s sea cows were a species that lived off a remote island between Alaska and Russia in the Bering Sea. In the late 1700s, this species — closely related to dugongs and manatees — was hunted into extinction. However, their bones can still be found and used to carve intricate works of art, knives, and hook of Maui necklaces. 

2. Faux Ivory

While ivory was once the preferred material for hook art, it’s not a sustainable practice. A beautiful and eco-friendly imitation of real ivory, faux ivory is an ethical alternative resembling the look of traditional hook of Maui pendants made from whale bones.

3. Healing Crystals

Many of our trusted artists prefer carving from healing crystals to create the famous hook of Maui shaped jewelry. From a white turquoise fish hook pendant to a vibrant malachite hook and more, every gemstone fish hook is stunning. This distinct look of cut gemstones is an exciting alternative to traditional bone or wood, making for unique gifts for your friends or family.

4. Axis Deer Antlers 

The axis deer, also called chital in their native India, can be found on Maui, Lana'i, and Moloka’i, thanks to a gift from Hong Kong to King Kamehameha V in 1860. With few natural predators on the islands, the axis deer population has soared and made them an invasive species in Hawaii. However, the axis deer antler provides a beautiful material that, when hand-carved by local craftsmen, makes a striking Maui fishing hook necklace. 

3 Favorite Sizes of Axis Deer Antler Hook Jewelry

• 1 5/8” Maui Fish Hook
• 1 ½” Maui Fish Hook
• 1 3/4” Maui Fish Hook

5. Koa Wood

Koa wood is said to be an ancient symbol of wisdom and is the second-most-common tree on the Hawaiian Islands. In Hawaiian, “koa" literally means brave, bold, fearless, and warrior. Most common on Maui, the Big Island, and Oahu, Koa wood is responsible for beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of art like this unique Koa wood fish hook. Plus, gifts made from Koa wood allow visitors to take a beautiful and historic part of Hawaii home with them! 

6. Water Buffalo Horn 

Did you know that water buffalo is the most common domesticated animal in the world? Used in agriculture for tilling rice fields, milked for richer and more protein-dense milk, and used as a source for meat, more people depend on the water buffalo than any other domesticated animal in the world. It’s fitting that an animal that spends most of its time in water lends its horns to make some of the most beautiful unique Maui fishing hook necklaces we’ve laid our eyes on!

Offering Unique Gifts from Lahaina Since 1971

Here at Whaler’s Locker, we’ve proudly served Maui and the Lahaina community since 1971. From shark tooth necklaces, Maui fish hooks, handcrafted knives, scrimshaw artwork, and tons of other unique gifts, we believe we have a little aloha spirit for everyone that walks through our doors.

We're excited to take our collection online, shipping to all 50 states! Contact us today, browse our site, and bring a piece of Maui home with you!