‘Ike (knowledge) is useless unless it’s passed on,” says kumu (teacher) and carver, Joey Kalanakilaokalāhui Palupe. Joey began carving pōhaku ku‘i ‘ai (stone poi pounders) at 19 years old and has been upholding the tradition ever since. Poi is made by pounding kalo, a sacred plant, into a paste with a pōhaku (stone). No trip to Hawai‘i is complete without poi, yet most are unaware of how it’s made. Everything from where you gather pōhaku to their size and shape is carefully considered. Joey, like many, gathers in places connected to his family. After that, it’s about finding the right stone. They should be egg or cone-shaped, not too porous, and harvested with respect. Hawaiians share a spiritual bond with the ‘āina (land). Before taking, it’s customary to ask permission. When it comes to carving the pounder, different stones serve different purposes. “A pōhaku ku‘i ‘ai is specifically made for one individual. Much like a glove, it should fit that person best”, Joey says. “This craft...