▷ Hawaiian Mythology: Origin, Gods, Symbols +19 Legends (2024)

Discover the fascinating Hawaiian Mythology. Get to know all the most popular Gods, Heroes and Legends that have lasted until today.

Hawaiian Mythology

Hawaiian mythology is not only a tale of the past, but a spiritual belief that is present among many of the island’s indigenous natives. Hawaii’s culture and heritage are passed down to new generations through an elaborate collection of stories.

These myths and legends tell the stories of the Hawaiian gods and the history of the island. Knowing these stories will add an additional layer to your knowledge of the island, and therefore make your stay even more memorable.

Origin of Hawaiian mythology

The mythology of the Hawaiian Islands probably originated with Polynesian immigrants who arrived in the archipelago hundreds of years ago. Hawaiian religion is polytheistic, meaning that there are many Hawaiian gods of varying importance, and also incorporates strong animistic beliefs: spirits are believed to reside in the land, sea, volcanoes and other non-human objects.

In the world of the Hawaiians, man and nature were intimately related and all things reflected the presence of the gods. The origin of man was linked to the origin of the islands, with land forms, plants, animals and humans expressing themselves as individuals in a larger family of life and creation.

The beginnings of island life, as told in Kumulipo’s creation, sing parallel to modern scientific explanations. Living as close to nature as they did, Hawaiians depended on keen observation and a deep understanding of how that world worked.

In the Kumulipo, a universe of darkness moves steadily toward light and wholeness. The land rises from the ocean, lower life forms gather on the shore, and larger creatures begin to appear: fish, insects, birds, amphibians. This and the growth of forest plants and food plants precede the appearance of gods and men.

Stages of Hawaiian Mythology

Hawaii is the period of Hawaiian human history that preceded the 1810 unification of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Kamehameha the Great. Researchers had based their estimates of early settlement on long-distance Polynesian navigators from French Polynesia, Tahiti, Tuamotus and the Samoan Islands, sporadically between 300 and 800 people.

In 2010, a study based on radiocarbon dating of more reliable samples was published and suggests that the islands were settled much later, within a short period of time, in c. 1219-1266.

The islands of East Polynesia have been characterized by the continuity of their cultures, and the short migration period would be one explanation for this result. Diversified agroforestry and aquaculture provided sustenance for native Hawaiian cuisine. Tropical materials were adopted for housing. Elaborate temples (called heiau) were constructed from available lava rocks.

The rich natural resources supported a relatively dense population, organized by a ruling class and a social system with religious leaders. Captain James Cook made the first known European contact with the ancient Hawaiians in 1778. He was followed by many other Europeans and Americans.

Gods or deities of Hawaiian mythology

The Hawaiian pantheon includes several levels of Hawaiian gods, as well as spirits that different families claim as their kin protectors. Like other aspects of traditional Hawaiian society, the gods exist in a structured hierarchy in which certain deities are at the top, as the ultimate regulators and protectors of the cosmos, with levels of lesser deities at the bottom.

The ancient Hawaiians, like most indigenous peoples, felt a deep connection to nature and explained everything from the creation of the Earth to the lava flowing from volcanoes through the stories of their gods and goddesses.

Hawaiian Tikis The four main gods (akua) are Ku, Kane, Lono and Kanaloa. Then there are many minor gods (kupua), each associated with certain professions. In addition to the gods and goddesses, there are family gods or guardians (aumakua).

The numerous Hawaiian and Polynesian gods were often represented by tikis. The tiki statues were carved to represent the image of certain gods and as an embodiment of the mana or power of that specific god.

Hawaiian deities

1. –Kane: father of living creatures. He is the highest of the four main gods. The god of procreation and was worshipped as the ancestor of chiefs and commoners. Kāne is the creator and gives life associated with the dawn, sun and sky.

2.-Ku: god of war. Human sacrifices were made to Ku in ancient times. He was also known as the god of prosperity, war and witchcraft, as well as forests, mountains, crops and good fishing.

3.-Kanaloa: god of the underworld and a master of magic. Ruler of the ocean. Complementary power and close companion of Kane.

4.- Pele: goddess of volcanoes, as well as fire, lightning and wind.

5.-Hina: goddess of the moon. She is the goddess of the night and the Moon is linked as daughter or lover of Kane, who as the god who brought the light is equated to the Sun.

6.-Kuula: god of the fishermen. He is of great importance because of the heavy dependence on fishing in Hawaiian culture. He is greatly respected for the bounty of natural beauty that surrounds the Hawaiian islands within the seas. It is believed to reside on the island of Maui and is believed to keep fish in early fish ponds.

7.-Laka: The goddess of reproduction, fertility, love and beauty, Laka is best known for creating the beautiful Hawaiian hula dance.

8.-Poliahu: One of the four snow goddesses. Pele’s rival.

9.-Lilinoe: She is the goddess of fine mist, dead fires and desolation. She is the sister of Poliahu, Waiau and Kahoupokane.

10.- Maui: He is a demigod and the god of the sun. Known as the “trickster hero of Polynesia,” Maui was known for getting into situations all over the Hawaiian Islands

Characters of mythology

Ku and Hina; male and female, were the great ancestral gods of heaven and earth to the ancient Hawaiians. They were the fecundity of life and all generations of mankind, both those yet to come and those already born.

Hawaiian gods were like great chiefs from distant lands who visited among the people, entering their daily lives sometimes as humans or animals, sometimes residing in a stone or wooden idol. Over the years, the families of the gods grew to include the trickster Maui, who caught the sun, and the fiery Pele of the volcano . Among them were also Kanaloa who was the god of the oceans, and therefore the ruler of Mana. Kū the god of war; Laka goddess of hula and fertility and Hina the goddess of the moon.

The ancient Hawaiians lived according to the animistic philosophy that assigned living souls to animals, trees, stones, stars and clouds, as well as humans. Religion and mythology were intertwined in Hawaiian culture; and local legends and genealogies were preserved in songs, chants and narratives.

Martha Beckwith was the first scholar to trace a path through the hundreds of little-known books, articles, and manuscripts that recorded the oral narratives of the Hawaiian people. Her book has become a classic work of folklore and ethnology, and the definitive treatment of Hawaiian mythology.

Animals of Hawaiian Mythology

The Aumakua are guardian gods of Hawaii and are incarnated as different animals. They can be represented by a number of animals such as crows and even dragons. (As are the guardians of Alolan.) These god deities of gods were highly praised by their people with great feasts and family courtesy in Hawaiian mythology/religion.

The Aumakua were worshipped at certain stones where they lived. Hawaiian citizens would approach the stones for help. Perhaps the guardians of Alolan are similarly summoned
Animals play a role as spirit guides in Hawaiian tradition and are part of a culture that honors the visible and the invisible.

1. Dragon- Aumakua guardian god of Hawaii
2. Bat – Pe’ape’a: Respect
3. Dog – Ilio: Truth
4. Dolphin – Nai’a: Unconditional Love
5. Hawk -‘Io: Ascension
6. Hawaiian Crow -‘Alala: Self-esteem
7. Owl – Pu’eo: Protection
8. Shark – Mano: Strength
9. Turtle – Honu: Sovereignty

Hawaiian Mythology Literature

Hawaiian literature has its origins in Polynesian mythology. It was originally preserved and expanded only through oral traditions, as the ancient Hawaiians never developed a writing system.

Literature written in the Hawaiian language and literary works in other languages by authors residing in Hawaii did not appear until the 19th century, when the arrival of American missionaries introduced the English language, the Latin alphabet and Western notions of composition to the kingdom.

The first compilations of traditional Hawaiian writing were made by John Papa ʻĪʻī, Samuel Kamakau, Kepelino Keauokalani, and David Malo. They were succeeded by King Kalākaua, Martha Beckwith, Abraham Fornander, and William Drake Westervelt, all of whom produced later collections that retold or adapted Hawaiian oral histories.

Other notable authors whose works feature Hawaiian settings and themes, or who were temporary residents of Hawaii, include Herman Melville, Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Jack London. Detective novelist Earl Derr Biggers is remembered primarily for his books set in early 20th century Honolulu, whose protagonist is Chinese-Hawaiian detective Charlie Chan.

Hawaiian literature in the second half of the 20th century was characterized by both rapid growth and an increasing emphasis on realism, sometimes influenced by the Second Hawaiian Renaissance and the Hawaiian sovereignty movement.

Symbols and Symbology of Hawaiian Mythology

Today Hawaii maintains many ancient traditions, passing on the meaning behind sacred symbols and meanings to each generation. The symbols, often generated in nature, are still seen in nature, as well as through jewelry pieces and tattoos.

Those who wear, or worship, the symbols are said to generate that energy behind the symbol. Keep the Aloha spirit and tradition alive through the energy, meaning and spirit behind these ancient Hawaiian symbols.

Green Turtle

Turtles are one of the oldest creatures on earth. The Hawaiian Green Turtle, known as “Honu,” symbolizes good luck, endurance and long life. Turtles can appear as a person’s guardian spirit, known as “Aumakua”. When lost, turtles are excellent navigators and often find their way home.

Legend has it that a green sea turtle guided the first Polynesian settlers to the islands. In historic days, only the wealthy were allowed to consume tortoises as food. In modern times, sea turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act and there are severe penalties for even giving them a stinkeye.

The Guardian Spirits

Guardian spirits come in natural or animal form. It is possible to have more than one “Aumakua”, or spirit guide, where a deceased ancestor took on a life form to guide an individual. Many natives and locals tattoo one or all of the Guardian Spirits on the body.

In Hawaiian tradition, the shark, gecko and owl are important guardian spirits. A shark is known as a protector. The gecko is known as the animal that could communicate with the gods and is a protector of homes. The owl or “Pueo” is one of the oldest manifestations that flew over Hawaiian lands prior to settlement. The owl was especially skilled in battle and represents a mysterious wisdom.

Circles

Circles appear in artwork, petroglyphs and jewelry. Hawaiians believed that a closed circle represented a seamless life without beginning or end. Therefore, it contains sacred knowledge that is interconnected with the stars and planets in the circle of life. When used with the Koru, a fern that represents new life and purity, in artwork it represents a new life, love or beginning in the circle of life.

Makau – Fish Hook Pendant

Hawaiians have a deep connection and understanding of the ocean. The Makau is a fish hook pendant, which was used in ancient times to find food. During early times, locals created fishhooks from a variety of materials: thorns, wood, coral and stone.

Today, the fishhook necklaces sold represent all that is good: strength, prosperity and good luck. Pendants are often made of bone, wood or jade materials
Rainbow. Rainbows have several meanings in Hawaiian culture. They are the celestial pathway that Hawaiian gods use to visit earth, but they are also the way for departed souls to be transported to heaven.

It mainly represents transformation. It is also known that those who can connect with spirit and the “higher” world will live abundant lives as humans.

Hawaiian Flowers

The hibiscus is a popular colorful flower that represents delicate beauty and sunlight. Women who wear the flower behind the right ear are known to be single and the left ear represents a woman who is romantically attached. The Bird of Paradise is another exotic flower seen throughout Hawaii. The flower’s Hawaiian name means “Little Globe” and represents joy and magnificence. Orchids are indigenous to Hawaiian landscapes and symbolize refinement and beauty.

Myths and Legends of Hawaiian Mythology

The ancient Hawaiians, like most indigenous cultures, felt a deep connection to nature and explained the natural phenomena around them with Hawaiian myths and legends that endure today. From the creation of the Earth, to the lava flowing from volcanoes, to the flowers you’ll see along some of the hikes on Oahu, there’s a story to explain just about everything.

Pele, goddess of the volcano

Probably one of the most famous goddesses in Hawaiian culture is Pele, the goddess of the volcano. The story of her legend is a long one, but her volcanic powers became known during a bad breakup with her lover, Kamapua’a. When he came looking for her after she hid in the tunnels and caverns of Kilauea, legend has it that he called out to her and summoned her.

Then, in response to him, the earth shook, and Kamapua’a looked up to see hot, molten lava sliding toward him. Although it escaped into the ocean, bushes, trees and local neighborhoods were set ablaze. According to local legends, to really get to Pele’s good side, one must visit her at Halemaʻumaʻu crater and give her offerings of food, flowers, and her favorite alcoholic gin that can be mixed with fruit in a blender.

Menehune

Legends of the Menehune say they were excellent craftsmen, performing amazing engineering feats such as the construction of the Menehune fish pond on Kauai. They are also said, according to Hawaiian legends, to have built an aqueduct called the Menehune Ditch, which is also on Kauai. This is especially notable because it was completed before Western engineering techniques were known and is said to have been done in one night.

Naupaka Flowers

Naupaka is one of Hawaii’s most common plants found both on the beach and in the mountains. If you look at the flower closely, you may notice that the flowers appear to have been torn in half.

According to Hawaiian legend, Naupaka was a beautiful princess who fell in love with a commoner named Kaui. This Hawaiian version of Romeo and Juliet tells of these star-crossed lovers who could never marry even though they were deeply in love.

To profess his love to Kaui, Naupaka took a flower from her hair and broke it in half, giving half to Kaui. She then retreated to the mountains and he remained along the ocean. Legend has it that the nearby plants were so saddened by this scene of the parting lovers that they began to bloom only half a flower in honor of the separated couple. You can even find some Hawaiian jewelry or souvenirs with this flower theme.

Kuula, god of fishermen

The legend of the generous Kuula tells of a Maui fisherman who lived with his wife Hina and son `Ai`ai on Hāna and built some of the first fish ponds nearby. Legends say that he made offerings to a small shrine and because of this reverence he was always able to land a large number of fish.

It is known that he was successful, even when his friends and fellow fishermen did not bite his hooks. But Kuula was always generous and eager to share his catch with those in need.

Laka, goddess Hula

And last but not least, there is the beautiful Laka. She is well known as the goddess of hula, but she also has dominion over many plants, flowers and the forest. If you attend any hula shows on your vacation, you may see a “hula halaus,” which is an altar or offering prepared in Laka’s honor. In these altars there are specific and special plants that are dismantled after the dance.

In a traditional hula dance, sometimes the altar is dismantled and each leaf is taken to the ocean or a deep stream as a way of honoring the goddess Laka. Her special flower, maile flowers, are commonly used to make Leis, which are draped over the neck. You can also find jewelry and souvenirs with these special maile flowers in her honor.

Hawaiian Mythology Traditions

The Hawaiian religion encompasses the indigenous religious beliefs and practices of native Hawaiians. It is polytheistic and animistic, with a belief in many deities and spirits, including the belief that spirits are found in non-human beings and objects such as animals, waves and the sky.

The Hawaiian religion originated among Tahitians and other Pacific Islanders who landed in Hawaii between A.D. 500 and 1300. Today, Hawaiian religious practices are protected by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. Traditional Hawaiian religion has no relation to the modern New Age practice known as “Huna”.

Pre-Christian beliefs persisted locally long after the sacrificial religion was overthrown. The indigenous religion recognized four major gods and at least one major goddess identified with the earth and procreation.

Ku, the god of war, fishing and other male activities, was the patron deity of Kamehameha. Another god, Lono, represented the contrasting ethos of peace and reproduction. Women worshipped their own patron goddesses.

Commoners made offerings to ancestral guardian spirits at their household shrines. Deities were also associated with particular crafts and activities. Although Congregationalists were the first to mission to Hawaii, the sect has few followers among Hawaiians today.

Roman Catholicism has attracted many Hawaiians, as have small Protestant churches that emphasize personal forms of worship.

Religious Practitioners. Prior to the abolition of kapu, younger brothers normatively served their elders as priests. Elder deities had their own priesthoods. The volcano goddess Pele is said to have had priestesses. Among the commoners were experts in healing and sorcery, known as “Kahuna,” and these specialists are still used by Hawaiians today.

Ceremonies

The Hawaiian ritual calendar was based on the lunar phases. Kü ruled the land for eight months of the year. Lono ruled for four winter months during the Makahiki festival, when war was suspended and fertility was celebrated.

Arts

Mainly men were sometimes tattooed, but this was not a general custom and most of the details have been lost. The carved wooden idols of the gods are artistically impressive, but few survived the dramatic end of the native religion.

Hula, the indigenous dance form, had numerous styles ranging from sacred “paeans” to erotic fertility celebrations. Various percussion instruments used included drums, sticks, bamboo tubes, pebbles (as castanets), gourds, rattles and pieces of split bamboo.

Death and afterlife

Ancient Hawaiians secreted the remains of the dead in burial caves. It was believed that the personal power or mana of the deceased resided in the bones. Chiefs were particularly concerned that their enemies would not find their remains and show them disrespect after death. Those who broke the taboos, on the other hand, were killed and offered to the gods, and their remains were left to decompose in the temple.

Sacred places of Hawaiian mythology

Sacred sites in Hawaii are places of significant historical and cultural significance. At many of these sacred sites, important historical events occurred in the past, such as the birth of kings and other important events. Today, these places are considered a very important part of Hawaiian culture.

Sacred places are also called ancient sites and include heiau (temples or shrines), pohaku (stones), ki’i pohaku (petroglyphs or rock carvings), fish ponds, and other ancient architectural remains.

A common practice when visiting a sacred site in Hawai’i is to leave a ho’okupu, a small offering, such as a lei, fruit, nuts or a plant.

Since these sites are sacred, it is important to be respectful when visiting and to follow some simple rules. Visitors are asked to refrain from climbing or stepping on ancient remains and not to move or remove any items.

Below is a summary of some of Hawaii’s sacred sites:

The Big Island of Hawaii is full of sacred sites, a testament to the rich culture and heritage of the Hawaiian people. These sites are a must-see for travelers who wish to experience the fascinating history of the Big Island.

Ahu’ena Heiau

This temple was built by King Kamehameha I to honor Lono, the god of fertility. It served as the king’s personal refuge and was his home during the last years of his life. Many ritual prayers took place here. The heiau is located within the grounds of the Kona Beach Hotel. The Ahu’ena Heiau is located in Kailua-Kona.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

This national park, which includes a wide range of ecosystems, is said to be the home of Pele, Hawai’i’s fire goddess, with Halema’uma’u Crater as her residence. According to tradition, her power controls lava, fire, heat and all things related to volcanoes.

Legend has it that if a person removes a volcanic rock from the park, then that person will be cursed by Pele until the rock is returned. The Pu’u Loa petroglyphs are also found within the park.

Pu’u Loa, which means “long hill,” is considered a sacred place where the parents of ancient Hawaii would go and leave the umbilical cords of their newborns as offerings to the gods in the hope that they would grant long life to their children. The Pu’u Loa petroglyphs are located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Hikiau Heiau

This luakini (human sacrifice) heiau was built by the Kalani’opu’u king. The heiau was later visited by Captain James Cook in 1778-1779. It was here that Cook performed the first Christian ceremony in Hawaii, a funeral service for one of his crewmen. Hikiau Heiau is located in Kealakekua Bay.

Ku’emanu Heaiu

This is the only temple believed to be dedicated to surfing. It was used to pray for good surfing conditions. Ku’emanu Heiau is located just north of Kahalu’u Beach Park, south of Kailua-Kona

Mo’okini Heiau

This is one of the oldest and most significant heiau in Hawaii, built around 480 AD. It is a luakini heiau, a heiau where human sacrifices were performed. It was also a place where the ali’i nui (priests and chiefs) prayed and communicated with the gods and their ancestors. The Mo’okini Heiau is located near Hawi.

Naha Stone

This huge rock weighs about 7,000 pounds or 2 tons. According to ancient legend, the person who could lift and turn the stone would unite all the Hawaiian islands and rule the kingdom, a feat Kamehameha I is said to have accomplished. The Naha Stone is located in front of the Hilo Public Library.

Puako Petroglyphs

This is one of the largest petroglyph fields in Hawaii, covering 223 acres. More than 3,000 ancient Hawaiian rock carvings are found here. The carvings include figures of humans, animals, and deity symbols. The Puako petroglyphs are located near Holoholokai Beach Park on the Kohala Coast.

Pu’uhonua or Honaunau

Ancient warriors, war victims and lawbreakers used to seek refuge at this sacred site, which includes houses, ancient fish ponds and a heiau. Pu’uhonua or Honaunau National Historical Park is located in Honaunau Bay.

Pu’ukohola Heiau

Dedicated to the war god Ku, this sacrificial temple was built by Kamehameha I, with his cousin and rival as the first human sacrifice. An underwater site was also built on nearby Pelekane Beach as a sacred monument to Hawaii’s shark god. Pu’ukohola Heiau is located near Kawaihae on the Kohala coast.

Conclusion

Hawaiian mythology is full of fantastic stories about gods and goddesses. Many of them have been humans long before they became gods. From this point of view, Hawaiian gods are different from the concept of God that exists in modern Western cultures.

The skills that the gods presented, their dedication to the Ohana in the time of their human existence, were creating the greatest value for the society and, after the death of the body, became a god of a certain type. In this way, the gods in ancient Hawaii were not only abstract concepts to worship, but also have been involved in human reality and, therefore, the actions of real life were extended to the “divine”.