Ancient Warriors Season 1 Episode 18 The Hawaiians - Warriors of Paradise

In Ancient Warriors season 1 episode 18 titled "The Hawaiians - Warriors of Paradise", viewers get a glimpse into the unique culture and fighting style of the Hawaiian people. Hosted by Mike Loades, an expert in ancient weapons and warfare, the episode takes us through the history of Hawaii and their warriors.

Loades starts by introducing us to the sacred dance known as Hula, which was an essential part of life for ancient Hawaiians. The Hula serves as an important link between the Hawaiian people and their gods. The dance movements tell a story and functioned as a way for Hawaiians to pass down their history and traditions orally.

However, Loades tells us that Hawaiian warriors had a more masculine and aggressive aspect to their culture. Hawaii was originally settled by Polynesians who arrived in the islands around 400 A.D, and by the time of the episode's events, the Hawaiians had developed a form of martial arts that was unique to their culture.

The host then introduces us to Koa, the Hawaiian word for warrior. The Koa warrior was fiercely loyal to his chief, held honor and integrity in high esteem, and was known for his fighting skills and bravery in battle. Loades takes us to the National Historical Park of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, where he shows us an altar of sacrifice used by Hawaiian chiefs to execute prisoners of war.

The Hawaiian warriors were known to use a variety of weapons, with wooden clubs or spears being the most common. Loades then takes us to a black sand beach where he demonstrates the use of these weapons on a ballistic gel mold. We get to see their effectiveness and how brutal the Hawaiian fighting style really is.

Next, Loades talks about a group called Paniolo, who were cowboys that were skilled at using ropes and lassos. These paniolos were known for their bravery in hunting wild cattle and were even used as part of the Hawaiian military strategy.

Finally, Loades takes us to the island of Maui, where he shows us a unique type of Hawaiian weapon called the leiomano. This was a bladed weapon that was used as a symbol of high rank and authority and was used in ceremonial rituals.

Overall, Ancient Warriors season 1 episode 18 provides viewers with a detailed and fascinating look at the unique culture and fighting style of ancient Hawaiians. From the storytelling of the Hula dance to the brutal effectiveness of their weapons, viewers are sure to be entertained and informed by this episode.