The ancient Hawaiians did not have an economy as we understand it. The exchange of goods and services took the form of traditional mutual gifts.
Taxes were also considered gifts as a sign of respect for the chieftain for being fair and protecting them. Sufficiency and common sense in relation to natural resources were the main principles of the island economy. Harvesting was done all year round, and no reserves were made. The Hawaiians worked only until the need for the product was satisfied. They devoted their free time to dancing and sports. Europeans with an insatiable economy did not understand this and called the Hawaiians lazy.
The first Europeans who arrived on the islands were amazed at the quality of the Hawaiian boats and houses. Tools were made of wood, bones, shells and stones. Human bones were especially valuable, they were used for fishing hooks, spears, knives and dishes made from skulls. That is why the bones of the chieftains were hidden or guarded. They did not know metal, wheels or clay pottery, and they did not have draft animals.