Legends of Old Hawaii
Hawaiian Mythology
Hawaii’s myths and legends tell stories of gods, goddesses, nature, volcanoes, family guardians and ancient beliefs passed down through chants.
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Browse more topics in this Hawaiian Mythology guide.
The Legend of Greedy Chief Hala'eaThe Legend of Ka'ena PointThe Legend of Kamalo and the Shark GodThe Legend of Keanahaki and the FishThe Legend of Nanaue the Shark ManThe Legend of Puna and the Dragon GoddessThe Legend of PunahouThe Legend of the Ghost Sisters of Hilo HillsThe Legend of the Hog GodThe Legend of the Man-Eating Spirits of Ni'ihauThe Legend of the MenehuneThe Legend of the Night Marchers
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 tell 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 ancient Hawaiians, like most indigenous peoples, felt a deep connection with nature and explained everything from the creation of the Earth to the lava flowing from the volcanoes through the stories of their gods and goddesses.
The four main gods (akua) are Ku, Kane, Lono and Kanaloa. Then there are many lesser gods (kupua), each associated with certain professions. In addition to the gods and goddesses, there are family gods or guardians (aumakua). The many gods of Hawaii and Polynesia were often represented by tikis. Tiki statues were carved to represent the image of a certain god and as an embodiment of that specific god's mana, or power.
Related Hawaii Story Categories
Hawaiian mythology often overlaps with sacred sites, unexplained stories and ghost traditions. These sections continue that same old-Hawaii storytelling thread:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaiian mythology?
Hawaiian mythology is the collection of traditional stories, beliefs and legends connected to Hawaiian gods, spirits, chiefs, ancestors, sacred places and the natural world. These stories were passed down through chants, storytelling and oral tradition.
What kinds of stories are found in Hawaiian mythology?
Hawaiian mythology includes stories about gods and goddesses, supernatural beings, shape-shifters, ghosts, guardian spirits, sacred places, powerful chiefs and lessons about respect, family, nature and responsibility.
Who are some important figures in Hawaiian mythology?
Important figures include Pele, the volcano goddess; Hi'iaka, her sister; Kane, Kanaloa, Ku and Lono, major Hawaiian gods; as well as legendary beings such as the Menehune, night marchers and Nanaue the shark man.
Why are many Hawaiian legends connected to specific places?
Many legends explain the meaning of beaches, valleys, cliffs, springs, lava fields and other places in Hawaii. These stories help preserve cultural memory and show why certain landscapes are sacred, mysterious or historically important.
Are there different versions of Hawaiian legends?
Yes. Different versions of a legend may exist depending on the island, family, storyteller or historical source. This variety is part of oral tradition and shows how stories continued to live across generations.