KIA LINE

Kia is originally the Hawaiian word for hunter. Kia Manu were the famous bird hunters who would venture deep into the forest and gather precious feathers mainly for ali‘i (royalty). However, in 1868, King Kamehameha V introduced eight Axis deer from India to the island of Moloka‘i and also called them Kia. Fast forward to present day with no natural predators and perfect breeding environments, the population of Axis deer in Hawai‘i is estimated to be near 100,000 in total, divided between three of the major Hawaiian islands - Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and Maui.

These tropical deer have become a part of the culture of these islands, one of the highest forms of nutritional red meats in the world and a prime food resource to the people of Hawai‘i; however, Axis deer are also one of the most difficult animals to manage. Highly elusive and able to jump over fences as high as 8 feet, it is not uncommon for a large herd to eat through a farmer’s entire vegetable farm in a single night. Moreover, these animals can and have caused serious damage to Hawai‘i’s fragile ecosystems and native forests.

Because of this, people have started to view Axis deer as a major nuisance in some areas of Hawai‘i; however, we feel that when managed correctly, Axis deer can be an amazing resource utilized for many things while still keeping a balance in the areas they inhabit. Ethical hunting and harvesting of these animals is necessary for the protection of their herd health as well as the health of Hawai‘i’s many diverse habitats.

Axis deer are not just an amazing food source, but can be utilized from nose to tail, from antlers to hides, with little waste. In this instant gratification 21st century, we tend to let time and ease be the base of what we do and we here at Kahua 'Āina are changing that concept, bringing you top quality products, ethically sourced and hand-made with aloha and care.