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Hawaiian Folktales

Tales of Maui’s clever tricks, Pele’s fiery temper, and lessons from island spirits.

An illustration of Pele, Hawaiian volcano goddess, standing over fiery Kīlauea crater.

The Voice of the Volcano: The Tale of Pele’s Journey

by Quwwatu-Llah Oyebode

November 7, 2025

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

In the time before the islands of Hawaii took their present form, the world was restless, and the earth’s breath burned beneath the ocean’s skin. From that molten fire came Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and the embodiment of creation through flame. Her spirit was fierce and radiant, her power vast as the sea she would one day challenge. This

An illustration of Pele and Hi‘iaka facing each other by the volcano, Hawaiian folktale scene.

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

Pele and Hi‘iaka: The Goddess of Fire and Her Sister

In the time when the world was young and the Hawaiian Islands still shaped their forms from the breath of the gods, there lived Pele, the radiant goddess of volcanoes, fire, and lightning. Her home was the crater of Kīlauea, where molten rivers of lava flowed like veins of the

An illustration of Princess Naupaka and Kauʻi parting by the sea, Hawaiian folktale scene.

The Legend of the Naupaka Flower: Hawaiian Folktale

In the time of the old gods, when the Hawaiian Islands were

An illustration of Anuenue, Rainbow Maiden bridging sunlight and rain, Hawaiian folktale scene.

The Rainbow Maiden: Anuenue

Long ago, when the islands of Hawai‘i were young and the seas

An illustration of Kamapua‘a the boar god confronting Pele the fire goddess, Hawaiian folktale scene.

The Story of Kamapua‘a: The Pig God

November 7, 2025

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

In the lush, misty valleys of old Hawai‘i, where waterfalls tumbled from emerald cliffs and the earth pulsed with divine life, there was born a child unlike any other. His name was Kamapua‘a, son of the sea goddess Hina and the chief Olopana. Yet his birth was met with fear and

An illustration of Māui lifting the Hawaiian Islands with his glowing fishhook, Hawaiian folktale scene.

The Fishhook of Maui (Manaiakalani): Hawaiian Folktale

November 7, 2025

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

In the time when the world was young and the great ocean stretched endlessly beneath the heavens, there lived the demigod Māui, the daring son of the goddess Hina. He was clever, strong, and endlessly curious, a trickster and teacher, loved and feared in equal measure by mortals and gods alike.

An illustration of Menehune building a fishpond under moonlight, Hawaiian folktale scene.

The Menehune: The Little People of the Valleys

November 3, 2025

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

Long before the great canoes of Polynesian voyagers touched the shores of Hawai‘i, before chiefs ruled and the sound of drums echoed in the valleys, there were the Menehune, the mysterious Little People who lived deep within the mountains. They were small in stature but mighty in skill, gifted craftsmen and

An illustration of owl army attacking chief’s warriors in a Hawaiian forest, Hawaiian folktale scene.

The Battle of the Owls: Ka Lua Ho‘omau o Pueo

November 3, 2025

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

Long before Western ships touched the shores of Hawai‘i, when the gods still walked unseen among the mountains and valleys, there lived a cruel and arrogant chief. His name is lost to time, for his deeds brought him only shame. He ruled over a lush valley surrounded by ancient forests,

Hawaiian Folktales

The Voice of the Volcano: The Tale of Pele’s Journey

Pele and Hi‘iaka: The Goddess of Fire and Her Sister

The Legend of the Naupaka Flower: Hawaiian Folktale

The Rainbow Maiden: Anuenue

The Story of Kamapua‘a: The Pig God

The Fishhook of Maui (Manaiakalani): Hawaiian Folktale

The Menehune: The Little People of the Valleys

The Battle of the Owls: Ka Lua Ho‘omau o Pueo

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