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Hölua, or heÿeholua (to slide together or as one entity), refers to the ancient art of surfing mountain slopes and lava fields on a specialized Hawaiian sled, a papahölua , constructed of wood lashed together with coconut fiber that is capable of attaining speeds up to 50 mph+ over rock lightly covered with pili, a grass native to Hawai'i.
It is a traditional form of ritualized athleticism unique to the Hawaiian Islands as a means to honor " Pele ", the mythical Hawaiian goddess of the volcano. Hölua with its abundant architectural features, monumental in scale, reminiscent to lava flowing down a mountain slope or cliff side emphasizes a religious practice significant to the native culture of these islands. He'ehölua is a unique athletic performance of cultural expression and self-sacrifice of the Hawaiian willing to risk his or her life in an attempt to successfully ride the waves of Pele.
He'ehölua (mountain surfing) and He'enalu (surfing) are traditional ritualized forms of athleticism that are important ritual expressions of the Hawaiian people. He'ehölua (over 2,000 years old) is similar to surfing a wave except it is done on a rock foundation on a sled that is usually 12 feet long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches in depth, and weighing approximately 30 - 60 pounds; capable of reach speeds of 50 mph+, while surfboards of the old time could be 60 - 150 pounds or more and reach lengths of 20 feet. For these ancient sports of the Hawaiian weight is an important factor for board and sled to function properly - a light weight sled means slow speed, and a light surfboard means you can not get down a wave fast enough or control direction and length of ride. In an attempt to preserve what little is known about ancient Hawaiian surfboard making, boards will be made in the authentic style of old Hawaii . Ancient building methods consistent with historical practices, including important rituals and offerings that was an integral part of board building. The traditional means and time of constructing a surfboard or hölua sled, that once took years, can now be done in a total time of approximately 48 hours.
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