The peleleu were a class of large
war canoes developed by Kamehameha's designers for his conquest of the islands.
More than 800 were built on Hawai'i, the hulls carved from gigantic koa trees.
Sails were cut in the European mode, but made of traditional plaited
lauhala (pandanus leaf) matting. Some were decked over completely at the
stern to increase their cargo capacity.
In what may be the first
detailed painting of a peleleu canoe, and average length of 70' is
depicted. A swivel gun is mounted in the bows.
Page 118, Voyagers
Link to on-line publication of Ancient Hawai'i
