In ancient Hawai‘iHawai'iplicated but definite family structure determined a person person's in society's class system, and religion sanctified and unified the cultural, social, and economic order.
The maka‘āinana, or ordinary people, were allotted a plot of ground by their chief. They planted, irrigated, nurtured, and harvested taro, sweet potatoes, and other crops here. They raised pigs, dogs, and chickens to supplement their diet and had the right to fish in the sea or in protected fish ponds.
The maka‘āinana worked for the chief six days each month, fought in the chiechief'ss, and paid taxes in the form of goods produced. Order and discipline were maintained through a strict code of laws known as the kapu system. Government and religion were one, so breaking a sacred kapu was blasphemy and a crime. Offenses, tremendous or minor, were generally punished by death.
Despite the labor commoners were required to render each month to their chief, there was still ample time for leisure activity. Once a year, there was a Makahiki or gathering, which lasted four months. During this period, there were feasts, fun, and games. The Hawaiians developed a carefree attitude toward life. They had no fear of want or hunger on the morrow. They created an open-hearted nature. Sharing, giving, and partaking of one's neighbors' goods was an accepted way of living.