pili-2
Pili grass was the preferred thatch for Hawaiian dwellings, especially in dry areas (Abbott, 1992). They used entire clumps which were lashed to the wooden frame upside-down. This prevented water accumulation. The tips were sometimes trimmed to give a more finished appearance. An inner layer of thatch could also be added. This could be pili or hala. The inner thatch was trimmed and arranged to give a neater, more esthetically pleasing appearance.The dry thatch had a red hue which was considered a "royal" trait. It also had a pleasant aroma.
| The photographs below are from the reconstructed house in the Bishop Museum, Honolulu. | |
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| Front of the House in the Bishop Museum: The Pili thatch has retained some of its red color | Door of the House in the Bishop Museum: Note the neat, finished appearance of the thatch on the inside. |
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