HAWAIIAN SECRETS AND MYSTERIES

Truth is stranger than fiction. And the Hawaiian Islands are riddled with ancient mysteries, local folklore and stories handed down one generation at a time that continue to fascinate and intrigue. Hawaii is a place of strong spirituality, where actions are rich in purpose and meaning and sacred sites and souls command respect. The best part of Hawaii’s history may lie in the secrets you won’t find in any textbook. Legends handed down by word of mouth are not to be regarded as fiction for they contain mysterious elements just strange enough to be true. Here’s just a few of the secrets and mysteries you may come across while in Hawaii:

Kamehameha's Bones

Kamehameha I, also called Kamehameha the Great, unified the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. Since the day of his death on May 8, 1819, the mystery of the location of King Kamehameha’s bones is one of the greatest secrets in all of Hawaii.

Although the ancient Hawaiians had ceremonial burial rituals for all, the funeral rites given to ruling chiefs were especially complex and sacred. A ceremony that prepared the body for afterlife, including removal of the flesh from the bones, was followed by a secret burial of the chiefly bones.

The location of the bones was kept secret by whomever the duty was entrusted to, usually the decedent’s closest advisor. In the case of Kamehameha’s death, Chief Ulumaheihei (called Hoapili by the King) was given this honor. The bones of Kamehameha were extremely sacrosanct and must be kept hidden to ensure his spirit’s transition into the world of the aumakua, or gods.

Both for physical safekeeping of the sacred bones and to prevent any unwarranted spying, the bones were hidden at night for ultimate secrecy. It was believed that if the burial site location was disclosed, an enemy who came in contact with the bones could absorb the chiefly mana, or power.

Although it is yet to be proven, many believe that Kamehameha’s remains rest in a burial cave at Kaloko, a pond in Kehaha on the island of Hawaii. Other famous rulers, including Kahekili, a famous Maui ruler, are also at peace here. Some say that King Kalakaua ordered Kamehameha’s bones to be relocated to the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu Valley, although this is strictly hearsay as well.

If King Kamehameha’s bones were ever exhumed, either on accident or intentionally, there is no telling what chain of events this disrespect might set off. The conflicting accounts surrounding the final resting place of Kamehameha the Great’s bones are perhaps intentional stories conjured up to ensure that this particular mystery stays just that.

The Menehune

The menehune (ka poe menehune) are a mythical race of Hawaii, a mischievous and clever little people who frequent the tales of old and live deep in the forests and valleys of the islands. The menehune are associated with the pre-settling days of Hawaii, roaming the islands 1500 years or more ago before Polynesian settlers arrived, but they tend to appear in even the most modern of tales.

The menehune were rumored to be extremely adept with their hands, industrious builders and craftsmen who could construct expert temples, roads, canoes, fishponds and houses in no time at all. Although they are said to have roamed all islands, the island of Kauai is the most common scene of stories involving the menehune.

These 2-foot tall island inhabitants are believed by many to be the master architects credited with building the Aleloko fishpond and dam, Kauai’s largest aquaculture reservoir. A story surrounding the construction of this pond says that two royal onlookers, ignoring warnings from the menehune, were turned to stone after spying on the little people during their building activities.

Today, it is said that the two stone pillars can still be seen near the pond. Structures like hand-built walls and carefully carved petroglyphs are considered by many to be evidence that Kauai was once (and perhaps still is) a favorite playground of the menehune.

The Red Waters of Wainapanapa

An ancient Hawaiian legend surrounds the Wainapanapa Cave on Maui. This tale describes how Princess Popoalaea, while hiding in the cave from her cruel and jealous husband Chief Kaakea, was discovered by the heartless man and mercilessly killed. In memory of the princess’ untimely death, the waters that run through the cave take on a reddish hue several times a year in honor of the princess’ bloodshed.

Pele’s Ohia Lehua

The ohia lehua tree, found in the islands at an altitude between 1,000 and 9,000 feet, is known for its reddish wood and beautiful flaming red blossoms. However, the ohia lehua is a sacred tree associated with Pele, the volcano goddess, and Hiiaka, Pele’s sister who was also the guardian of the ohia lehua forests.

Legend has it that Pele ordered the destruction of her sister’s sacred ohia lehua groves after discovering that her lover Lohiau had engaged in romantic activities with her sister. Today, the active volcano Mauna Loa on the Big Island continues to pour out lava and destroy ohia trees.

It is said that if a visitor plucks her red ohelo berries or ohia blossoms without first performing the necessary ritual and offering, consequences may occur, from rain showers to destructive lava flows. These flowers are currently protected under state law and cannot be picked in state parks.

The Old Pali Road

The Old Pali Road, replaced by the neighboring newer “Pali Highway,” is the location of many of Hawaii’s most retold stories involving supernatural spirits. Because the road is thickly forested and devoid of streetlights, the Old Pali Highway is perhaps the perfect setting for spooky stories.

Some unlucky few tell tales of coming into view of a huge ghostly white figure moving across the road in front of their vehicles. Countless accidents have occurred on this road, many unexplained.

The Pali Lookout was the site of one of the most critical battles in King Kamehameha’s unification of the Hawaiian Islands. It is said to be home to a ghostly white silhouette that appears on certain nights, as well as ghostly soldiers leaping off the cliff.

No Pork on the Pali

Old legends warn that traveling with pork over the Pali Highway, the main roadway between Honolulu and Kaneohe, is highly taboo. Pork allegedly attracts agitated spirits and upsets the relationship between the fire god Pele and pig god Kamapuaa.

Those who ignore the legend and carry any pork product in their car may risk encountering car trouble or an accident. Because pork is a kinolau (form) of the pig god, the car trouble is said to be Pele’s way of keeping Kamapuaa from traveling within her domain. Many Oahu residents still follow this guideline today.

If you encounter any truth to this myth, try tossing out the meat and see if your situation improves. For those who can’t avoid the pork transportation, folklorists recommend tying a fresh green ti leaf, bamboo, or banana leaf around the package for protection.

Morgan’s Corner

On the windward side of the Old Pali Road is Morgan’s Corner, a corner marked by the presence of a giant tree associated with many ghostly encounters. Some folks tell of apparitions of hanging bodies and mysterious sounds on car roofs underneath the tree.

The mysteries of the Hawaiian Islands continue to intrigue residents and visitors alike. Many of the best tales can only be found in the folklore passed on by word of mouth. To learn more, strike up a conversation with a local and ask them to share some of the peculiar tales of old, sure to incite “chicken skin,” the local term for “goosebumps.”