‘OPIHI is treasured as a cultural delicacy in Hawaii. ‘OPIHI connects people with friends, family, and the ocean. 'OPIHI is a dangerous dance between the rocks and the surging sea.
But ‘opihi are far from anything dangerous. They are harmless, algae-grazing limpets that cling to the rocks of Hawai‘i’s coastlines. Protected by their conical shell and ability to hold fast, ‘opihi endure the immense power of waves pummeling against them. The “fish of death” alludes to the dangers that Hawai’i’s fishermen face to brave the islands’ most treacherous coastlines to harvest ‘opihi. To the ‘opihi picker, the risks are worth bringing home a local delicacy and continuing a tradition that is deeply rooted in Hawai‘i’s culture.
Beyond the dinner table, ‘opihi is integrated into Hawai‘i’s society. Music, like the Ka‘au Crater Boy’s popular “‘Opihi Man” song, commemorates ‘opihi picking. Parents refer to their infants as ‘opihi for their unwillingness to leave their embrace. Old shells are turned into jewelry. ‘Opihi was a staple of pre-contact Hawaiian diet and their shells used as scraping tools. It’s also a part of the Kumulipo (creation chant) – “Hānau ka Makaiauli, o ka ‘Opihi kana keiki, puka”, born was the big limpet, his child the small limpet came forth.