The Hawaiian culture is full of nature based legends and mythology, much of it similar to that found in other Polynesian islands. As in every culture, these grew out of the need to explain the world around them. They explain how life came to be, and were passed from generation to generation orally. There are far too many deities to detail in one article, but here are a few of my favorites.
The Menehune are the magical "little people" of Hawaii. The legend is strongest on Kauai, where some traditions say the Waimea Canyon was home to the Menehune. These people are generally regarded as very mischievous and physically short, usually about two feet tall, although some were only six inches high. The hand-built walls, temples and fishponds are said to be the work of these master builders. Interestingly, the Menehune would work only at night under the glow of the moon, and if they were discovered or didn't get their project completed before dawn, they would abandon it. Fortunately, this didn't happen often.
Pele, the Goddess of Fire, is said to live today in the Halemaumau Crater at the summit of Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The legends vary in how Pele came to this place, but most say that she was born in Tahiti. She left her birthplace, maybe because she longed to travel, or because she was exiled by her father for her bad temper, or because she was chased from her home by her angry sister, whose husband she had seduce. Regardless of how it came about, Pele ended up in the Hawaiian Islands. First she sent to Kauai, then to Oahu, Molokai and Maui before settling on the Big Island. The best known of the legends about Maui is the bad luck curse she is said to put on anyone who takes rocks away from the islands. Thousands of pieces of lava rock are mailed back to Hawaii each year by people who claim to have had terribly bad luck since taking the rocks home.
The Night Marchers are another of my favorites. These are believed to be high-ranking ghost warriors or ali'i (ruler) spirits. They roam through specific places on certain nights, pounding drums, chanting and carrying torches. Some of the Night Marchers trails are rumored to be on Oahu -- the Pali Highway, Nuuanu Pali Lookout and Kualoa Ranch, among other. La Perouse Bay on Maui and the town of Kaunakakai on Molokai are other reported sites. IF you should happen to witness a night march, legend says you should crouch low, avert your eyes and play dead, else the Night Marchers will take your should and leave you dead. If you like ghost stories, take one of the Ghost Tours offered on Oahu.
There are many more popular Hawaiian legends and myths, among them Maui the trickster demi-god, Nana'ue the shark man, Laka the goddess of the hula, and Kane the father of living creatures. Many of these legends are still preserved and passed on today through the hula and the chants of the Hawaiian culture.
Bonnie J. Peterson is the owner of More Hawaii 4 You/More Travel 4 You. She is a Hawaii Destination Consultant, assisting clients with their visits to the Islands of Hawaii for vacations, weddings and honeymoons, and business. Her web site http://www.morehawaii4you.com offers information on the Islands of Hawaii, including travel specials and articles.
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