The Hawaiian Islands are surrounded by many beautiful legends – stories of gods and men, love and betrayal, goodness and evil. Some of these tales have been around for so long, that they are now deeply rooted into the Hawaiian culture.
Like most indigenous people, Hawaiians explained everything through myths and folk tales of passion. Almost every place in Hawaii – waterfalls, mountains, caves, beaches – has a backstory that ties its name to the culture and the people who inhabited these islands centuries ago.
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8 Fascinating Hawaiian Legends That You May Not Know
Some of Hawaii’s myths and legends are quite popular, while others are less known. So here are some of my favorite folk tales that make these islands even more fascinating:
The Love Story of Hiku and Kawelu
Those who visited Kauai can surely remember the grandiose beauty of the Waimea Canyon. One of the legends born in this area is the love story of Hiku and Kawelu. Hiku was born in the forests around Waimea Canyon.
One day he went to the beach and he met a beautiful girl named Kawelu. The two fell and in love and soon married. Hiku and Kawelu were happy together most of the time but, like all couples, they had arguments.
After one of these quarrels, Hiku got very upset. He left Kawelu alone and returned to the mountains. Heartbroken, Kawelu waited and waited for him, but he didn’t return. In desperation, she hung herself. (Ladies, please don’t follow her example if you find yourselves abandoned by your men!)
When Hiku found out what happened, he deeply regretted what he had done. He was ready to do everything he could to bring his wife back to life.
After talking with a priest, Hiku decided to risk his own life and go to Poe – the land of the dead – to bring Kawelu back. He twisted some strong vines into a long rope and descended into the valley of the Waimea Canyon (which by the way, is one of most beautiful hikes in Kauai). That was the place where the spirits of those who recently died were dwelling.
Deep into the abyss of Poe, he wandered around for days and days until he finally found Kawelu’s spirit. He told her how much he loved her needed her and begged her to return with him. He promised he would never leave her again and convinced her to get a hold of the rope.
Kawelu’s spirit touched the rope, thus returning into her body. The two lovers came up from the valley of the dead together and lived happily ever after. No wonder the story of Hiku and Kawelu is one of the most beloved Hawaiian legends. Who doesn’t love a happy ending!
The Hawaiian Legend of Pele’s Curse
Another beautiful legend is that of Pele’s Curse. Pele was the Hawaiian goddess of fire, wind and lightning, who lived in the crated of Kilauea Volcano. She was famous for her bad temper that caused a lot of destruction.
According to the legend, Pele curses anyone who removes anything from the Hawaiian Islands. The jealous and arrogant goddess sees rocks, sand, or shells as her own children. Therefore, removing them is like stealing from Pele, which will incur years of bad luck.
Some people believe the myth of Pele’s Curse is actually an invention of the park rangers on the Big Island who got tired of visitors trying to take pieces of lava as souvenirs from Hawaii. But is the curse only a legend?
It seems that to this day, hundreds of pieces of lava rock are mailed back to Hawaii by those who claim they experienced a chain of misfortunes after removing them from the island.
The Hawaiian Legend of Naupaka Flower
Naupaka is a unique flower that grows only in Hawaii and no place else in the world. For this reason, this flower is tied to one of the most beloved legends of Hawaii.
What makes this flower unique is its appearance. It rather looks as a half-flower, with missing petals. What is also interesting is that this shrub grows both in the mountains and near the beach.
So how can this half-flower grow so well in two very different environments? Well, because there is a folk tale behind it.
The legend says that at the base of Makana Mountain, near the North Shore of Kauai, there was an old and prestigious hula school for boys and girls. The students had to obey very strict rules and protocols.
But two students – Nau and Paka – fell in love. According to the school rules, they couldn’t date each other so they were meeting only in secret.
One night the school master – evil Kilioe – heard the splashes of someone crossing the stream behind her house. She followed the sound of the footsteps and to her surprise and anger she discovered that Nau and Paka, were together.
The two lovers began running for their lives because they knew their punishment would be death.
Kilioe ran after them demanding that they stop, but the two continued to run. Reaching a cave near the beach, the young boy, Nau, told Paka to hide in there.
Trying to divert Kilo’s attention, he ran up the mountain. But Paka saw Kilioe running after Nau and feared for her lover’s life. She stepped out of her cave trying to block Kilo’s way, but she got killed on the spot.
Blinded by rage, Kilioe continued to run after Nau. She caught up with him high up on the mountain and killed him too. Man oh man, such a strong wahine, this Kilioe!
The next morning the people living nearby noticed that a new plant began growing from the sand where Paka died. It was a beautiful shrub, but the flowers had only half of the petals. That same flower began growing up in the mountains, where Nanau died.
The half flowers are a reminder that the two lovers are forever separated. They say that when one puts these two half-flowers together, they form a complete circle that allows Nau and Paka to be together for a brief moment.
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The Legend of the First “Lighthouse” in Hawaii
Long before the present day lighthouses were invented, Hawaiian people invented their own. An ancient legend says that hundreds of years ago in Hawaii lived a tribe of strong people called the Menehune. The Menehune fisherman would row all day far from the island, trying to catch some fish. Many times, if they had a bad day, they would row back to shore long after dark. But without a light they couldn’t find a safe place to land their canoes.
This happened night after night, until one cold night when the chief of the tribe was warming himself near the fire. His wife accidentally dropped a Kukui nut on the fire. Watching the Kukui nut burning, the chief came up with a bright idea! He would string a lot of kukui nuts like a lei, creating a long string of light.
This happened night after night, until one cold night when the chief of the tribe was warming himself near the fire. His wife accidentally dropped a Kukui nut on the fire. Watching the Kukui nut burning, the chief came up with a bright idea! He would string a lot of kukui nuts like a lei, creating a long string of light.
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The Legend of the Long-Lasting Peace in Kauai
This legend comes from a time when each island of Hawaii had its own chief ruler. The chiefs were constantly at war with each other, trying to conquer more territories for themselves. But while the neighboring islands were thorn by wars, Kauai managed somehow to keep its peace and independence for more than 500 years. How was that possible?
Legend has it that this long period of peace started in the 14th century with king Kukona. During his reign, all the other Hawaiian Islands had been conquered by an ambitious chief from the Big Island.
Eventually, the Big Island’s chief set his eye on Kauai as well and tried to attack the island. King Kukona fought bravely, defeating his attackers. In the battle he managed to take captive not only the chief of the Big Island, but also all the other islands’ chiefs who joined him in the attack. Instead of killing them however, Kukona decided to take them for a walk around his beautiful island. Hmmm, maybe he was trying to make them even angrier for loosing the battle.
How Kukona Fooled His Enemies
After walking for a while, King Kukona decided to stop around the area that is today Koke’e Park. While resting under a tree, he fell asleep. Seeing an opportunity for revenge, the captured chiefs plotted to kill him in his sleep. But the chief of Maui objected, reminding them that King Kukona spared their lives when he could have killed them.
Just at that moment, King Kukona woke up and told them he was just pretending to be asleep and overheard everything they plotted. But again he decided to spared the lives of his captives on one condition: neither them nor their descendants would ever attack Kauai ever again.
Relieved that they escaped death a second time, the chiefs agreed and swore with a solemn vow to keep their promise. They even raised a small monument as a reminder of their oath. The legend says that because of their promise Kauai remained an independent state for over 500 years.
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The Legend of Haleakala (House of the Sun)
Haleakala (House of the Sun in Hawaiian) received its name from a legend. Legend has it that on the Big Island of Hawaii lived a mischievous demigod called Maui and his mother, Hina. Their daily activities depended on La, the Sun God, who decided when there was darkness or light. Unfortunately, La was a lazy god who often slept in, leaving all the islands without sunlight.
One day Hina who worked hard the whole night to wash some cloths, needed to dry them in the sun. But lazy La was sleeping late. Hina was unable to dry her cloths, so she complained to Maui, her son, who decided to do something about it.
Maui made a long, strong rope out of coconut fiber and climbed in darkness to the top of Haleakala crater. When La finally appeared, Maui lassoed the god and tied him to a nearby tree. Trapped and helpless, La begged to be released. But Maui wasn’t going to let him go without bargaining. So he demanded more light every day in exchange for La’s freedom. The Sun God had to make the deal and keep his promise.
Since then, the Hawaiian Islands received more sunlight and Haleakala became a sacred place of the gods. So if you are in Maui, make sure you go atop the mountain to watch the sunrise at Haleakala.
READ NEXT: The 10 Best Hikes in Maui for Adventure Lovers
The Legend of Wai’anapanapa Cave
The beautiful Wai’anapanapa cave is located next to one of the most beautiful black sand beaches in Maui – Honokalani. Definitely a place worth adding to your itinerary when planning a romantic Maui getaway!
The legend says that once upon a time a Hawaiian princess names Popoalaea fled from her cruel husband, the Chief Ka’akea. She hid on a ledge, just inside the underwater entrance to a cave.
Her beautiful maid sat across from her, fanning the princess with a feather kahili – symbol of royalty. Noticing the reflection of the kahili in the water, the Chief Ka’akea discovered Popoalaea’s hiding place and killed her.
Since then, at certain times of the year, tiny red shrimp appear in the pool turning the water red. A sad reminder of the blood of the slain princess.
The Legend of the Iao Needle
According to Hawaiian legend “Iao” was the name of the beautiful daughter of the god Maui. Puuokamoa, a half-fish-half man, was the only one who dared approach her. As the two began seeing each other more often, Iao fell in love with Puuokamoa.
When Maui found out about the unsuitable suitor, he got very angry and ordered the capture of Puuokamoa with the intention of burning him alive. But Puuokamoa’s friend Pele, the goddess of fire, convinced Maui to turn him into a pillar of stone instead.
So now the Iao Needle stands as a monument to love.
Aren’t Hawaiian legends fascinating? I challenge you find another state with as many incredible myths and legends as Hawaii!
Antoine and Marielle
We have never heard of these legends before but we are big fans of mythology. We haven’t yet been to Hawaii but we know that there’s a lot of history and culture to this island which is one of the reasons why we’d like to go one day. Learning about the stories behind the Hawaiians has been amazing, our favorite would be the story of naupaka flower… so tragically captivating.
Umiko
A love story is always interesting, and so is the legend of Hiku and Kawelu. Although the middle of the story reminded me of the movie Pet Cemetery a bit. I found the Naupaka Flower beautiful and interesting at the same time. I thought it’s your perspective on taking the picture, until I read the legend of the flower. Another interesting love story.
Agnes
An exciting post with fabulous photos. I did not know most of these legends, although I was in Hawaii. I was delighted with its nature and the kindness of the islands’ inhabitants. I love the one about Pele – the Hawaiian goddess of fire in Kilauea Volcano. I like the idea that Pele curses anyone who removes anything from the Hawaiian Islands. Taking away by tourists pieces of rocks, shells, or other elements of nature means a lack of respect for regulations and nature. I also love the legend of Naupaka Flower, as I photographed and admired this beauty. I knew the legend about Haleakala before, as I heard it during my trip for sunrise on Haleakala.
Anda
Thanks for dropping by, Agnes.
Renee
I find it fascinating to read about a countries stories and legends. Who knew that Hawaii would have so many interesting ones. I think I like Pele’s legend. It’s a reminder that we should leave destinations as we find them. To protect them and not to remove anything. Although I like to take stones from my travels, I will not think twice!
Pamela Mukherjee
Hawaii is on my list for ages. But I never heard or read any of the mentioned legends and trust all legends appeared true to me. I loved the story of Naku and Pakka and how they turned into half flowers. Also, Hiku and Kawelu’s story was fascinating too. The way you added pictures with every legend, made the post amazing. I read the House of the Sun legend and by clicking the sunrise post I read your other post too. The sunrise hikes look incredible. Wish to visit soon.
Ha
It’s fascinating to read about Hawaiian legends. I didn’t know much about Hawaii myths, but I’d love to see the locations of them. Legend of Haleakala and Naupaka Flower surely capture my attention. I also like the love story of Hiku and Kawelu as well.
Anda
Everybody seems to like the story of Hiku and Kawelu. It’s a happy ending one.
Natascha
I knew, that the people of Hawaii have a lot of legends to explane their environnent but never actually read some of the stories. They are beautiful, especially the Legend of the Naupaka Flower. It must have been amazing and moving to connect the stories with physical places.
Linda (LD Holland)
We haven’t heard any of the legends of the Hawaiian Islands so far. So interesting to read the stories linked to stunning physical sites. And to read a legend about the unique Naupaka Flower. I wonder if there are similar stories about the creation of lighthouses around the world? I would want to thank Haleakala for increasing the sunshine on Hawali.
Joanna
The myths and legends of a country are the cultural history of a place. I particularly liked the story about the Naupaka flower. It made the hairs on my arms stand up – so sad.
Anda
You are so right, Joanna. Hawaiian legends are truly beautiful.
Zola Sawyer
I saw an image of a beautiful girl in the mountain range, at Na Pali. No one around seemed to see it. Is that common?
Anda Galffy
It’s not common, Zola, but you may be special. You see things that other people can’t…
Priya Vin
We visited Kauai, long time ago and was thinking about a trip, this time with kids. Loved reading about the myths and legends. Beautiful photos!
Anda Galffy
Kauai is perfect for kids, Priya. I’m sure you would have a great time there.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
Your photo from Koke’e State Park is so much nicer than the one I got where it’s filled with fog. Great legends. Despite my recent visit to the island, I didn’t do much background research and had not heard these legends.
Michelle | michwanderlust
I just love reading about myths and legends about these, and it’s even more captivating when you have pictures to go along with it! I really enjoyed the story of Hiku and Kawelu – it reminded me of Orpheus and Eurydice in Greek mythology. Interesting how the stories are so similar despite the two cultures being separated by such time and distance.
Sally's Tips 4 Trips (aka Toddlers on Tour)
The scenery is just stunning Anda and your photos beautiful. I love the old mythical tales to go with the settings.
Linda Bibb
I have wanted to visit Kauai for years. I think the tranquility is what originally lured me, but now I’d like to see the locations in your beautiful legends. Your collection of stories are so poetic and bring so much of the culture alive.
Anda Galffy
You are right, Linda. The legends about these places make visiting them so much more interesting
Anisa
Kauai looks beautiful – where did you learn all these stories? I enjoyed reading them, but I hate that Kawelu hung herself but glad in the end it had a happy ending.
Anda Galffy
There was a guide in Kauai who told us these stories, Anisa. I enjoyed them too.
Melissa Bachmann
I just have to ask if you researched the legends before posting them? I found a source that says the Legend of Hiku and Kawela takes place in the area of Waimea on the the Big Island, not Kauai…
Anda Galffy
We had a local guide in Kauai who told us all these legends, Melissa. I don’t exclude the possibility that some of these legends are “borrowed” between the islands of Hawaii (lol), but we were told that Hiku and Kawela’s legend was from Kauai.
Ruth | Tanama Tales
Anda, sounds like Kauai is the place for me. I am not interested in partying or dancing. I do enjoy places with a cheerful evening atmosphere but prefer not to move around the wild side. I like to learn about the legends of the places I visit. Sometimes, the locals tell them with so much passion. It is like they actually believe it.
Anda Galffy
You would definitely enjoy Kauai island, Ruth. The legends make visiting the place so much more interesting.
Lydia C. Lee
We loved Kauai – especially the contrast after Big Island (which was my fav, husband loved Kauai). So pretty.
Lolo
Aww the Love Story of Hiku and Kawelu is so sad! I definitely didn’t learn about these myths and legends when I was there as a teen, but it would be interesting to learn more! 🙂
shere
I have to admit that before reading your posts about Hawai, I associated these islands with party. Kauai would be a perfect place for us, as we love nature and hiking. The legends are beautiful, but so sad there’s alsways someone dying.
Anda Galffy
Except for Honolulu on the island of Oahu, none of the other islands are party places. On the contrary, I could say. They are quite laid back and relaxing. I bet you’d love either one of them.
Birgit | Groove Is In The Heart
Kauai sounds like the perfect destination for me: away from the crowds and surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility. I loved reading about the legends and your photos are beautiful. So wish I could spend a few hours there this weekend. Who knows, maybe one day 🙂
Rhonda Albom
The Pacific islands are filled with legends and myths. I always like the myths that meld love stories with the creation of land features and flora.
Anda Galffy
I’m always attracted to myths and legends too, Rhonda. They make the places we visit so much more interesting.
Debbra Dunning Brouillette
I enjoyed reading the myths and legends and, as always, seeing your excellent photos. Stephen and I traveled to Kauai in 2011 and loved it! I would go back in a heartbeat (and hope to when the Coco Palms Hotel is finally rebuilt and opens). We were there for the 50th anniversary of the Blue Hawaii movie starring Elvis, which was filmed on Kauai.
Anda Galffy
Thank you for your comment, Debbie. You really must be into Elvis since you were ready to go to Kauai for the 50th anniversary of the Blue Hawaii movie.
Priscilla | ShesCookin
My mother grew up in a plantation town near Waimea Canyon and I’ve visited many times (actually attended Waimea HS my sophomore year) and I was always fascinated by the still-revered legends of the island. Thank you for sharing and sending me back 🙂 If readers would like to delve further into the myths, legends and lore of the islands, I highly recommend the book Shark Dialogues by Kiana Davenport.
Anda Galffy
Oh, thank you so much for letting me know about this book, Priscilla! I would love to read some more of these stories. We really love Kauai.