A university student from the Department of Botany wanted to know if we, Na Kanaka have abandon the practice of gathering limu? So I spent a few hours sharing with her the different areas on the Waianae Coast that we gather limu for our eating practices. 

Introducing this student to my Kupuna was an exciting experience because she strummed on her ukelele and sang "Ka Uluwehi 'o Ke Kai" for her.  I then took her to the limu beds in Maili area where she met Bobby who was gathering wana for his mom.  He explained the nutritional values of limu.  Bobby is a careful gather'er because of the possibility of contamination.  As I explained to the student-- gathering is about being smart and conscious of how you gather.  Because of the many contaminates in the waterways.  It is still possible to gather and take home and consume it for ones palate. 

My mouth always water when I am near all types of limu.  Its because as a child my memory recollection begins at the early age of five, I was able to pick limu and eat it straight from the beach or shore area.  For me, eating limu on the beach was like a child in a candy store.