Hawaiian myths and legends

Gods, Ghosts and Goblins

Hawaii is full of myths and legends – stories that are full of passion, betrayal, loyalty, birth and death. According to W.D. Westervelt, one of the most famed re-tellers of Hawaiian myths and legends back in the early 1900s, some of these myths and legends were very similar to the stories told in Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and other islands in the Pacific Ocean.

These Hawaiian stories told the tales of gods and men – ghosts and goblins. One Hawaiian chant speaks of as many as “four thousand gods” of the Hawaiian people. The Hawaiian people, like most tribal cultures, explained everything from the creation of the Earth to the lava flowing from the volcano through the stories of their gods.

Hawaiian Gods of the Myths and Legends

This is only a partial list of the many Hawaiian Gods. The islands are full of stories and legacies. Many locals still believe in their existence. To this they are revered and respected by many.

Kane: Father of living creatures. Kane is identified with the sun, fresh water and the forest.

Ku: God of war. Human sacrifices were made to Kane in ancient times.

Kaneloa: Ruler of the land of departed spirits.

Lono: God of growing things, rain, harvest, peace and sports.

Pele: Goddess of the volcanoes.

Hina: Goddess of women’s work.

Laka: Goddess of the hula.

Kuula: God of fishermen.

Papa: Fertility goddess.

Kanaloa: God of death, darkness and the ocean.

Poliahu: Goddess of the snow of Mauna Kea. The rival of Pele.

Here are some legends to wet your appetite of Hawaiian myths and legends.

• The Legend of the Menehune
• The Legend of the Night Marchers
• The Legend of Nanaue the Shark Man
• The Legend of Kamalo and the Shark God
• The Legend of Kaena Point
• The Legend of the Ghost Sisters of Hilo Hills
• The Legend of Puna and the Dragon Goddess
• The Legend of Punahou
• The legend of greedy chief Hala'ea
• The Legend of Keanahaki and the Fish
• The Legend of the Hog God
• The Legend of the Man-Eating Spirits of Niihau