War and bonito fishing canoes were docked in decorated canoe sheds which were also ceremonial houses for the men and contained ancestor relics and skulls. In Langa Langa Lagoon these custom houses watched out from the seaward side of the artificial islands, while the villages were sited on the sheltered side facing inland. Pre-contact fishing ceremonies were very important, especially festivals for the beginning of bonito season. Dolphin hunts involved the whole community. Fish-shaped caskets were made for bones.
Fishing is still the main source of protein for many people.
Kite fishing used a ball of sticky cobweb trailed from a pandanus or coconut leaf kite pulled from canoes to catch gar fish. Wood fishing floats are used in series with stone counterweights to catch flying fish. Polynesian villages had large wooden shark hooks. Metal hooks were used after contact. Other canoes include small plank canoes for fishing, ocean going-outriggers with matting sails and deck houses and dugout canoes.