The role of agricultural innovation on Pacific Islands: a case study from Hawai'i Island

Mark D. McCoy, Michael W. Graves · 2010 · World Archaeology

Summary. Between 1400 and 1650, Hawaiian farmers developed terraced fields, irrigation systems, and windbreaks that opened 60 percent of available farmland. These innovations enabled agriculture in marginal areas, increased food surplus, and supported population growth and elite competition. The expanded agricultural base allowed societies to support non-producers across larger territories, driving the transition to surplus-driven economies.

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McCoy, M. D., & Graves, M. W.. (2010). The role of agricultural innovation on Pacific Islands: a case study from Hawai'i Island. World Archaeology. https://doi.org/10.1080/00438240903430340

@article{mccoy-2010-role-agricultural-innovation-pacific-islands,
  title   = {The role of agricultural innovation on Pacific Islands: a case study from Hawai'i Island},
  author  = {Mark D. McCoy and Michael W. Graves},
  journal = {World Archaeology},
  year    = {2010},
  doi     = {10.1080/00438240903430340},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1080/00438240903430340}
}

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TI  - The role of agricultural innovation on Pacific Islands: a case study from Hawai'i Island
AU  - Mark D. McCoy
AU  - Michael W. Graves
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Details

DOI: 10.1080/00438240903430340
Countries: United States
Regions: North America
Categories: agtech, food-systems, indigenous-innovation
Added: 2026-04-28