Hawaiian Mythology

Graphic of Kamapuaa taken from Pele Legends
Courtesy of Pele Legends


Myths . . . Legends . . . Stories . . . All of these are words that many of us use today to describe what we believe to be fictional accounts that entertain us on rainy days and sleepless nights. Yet, for many of the native peoples of the Pacific (including Hawai'i), myths are more than mere fairytales-- they are the carriers of history, the teachers of culture, and the animators of the very existence of a people. Thus, for those of you who are interested in conducting further research on Hawaiian Mythology, the information provided on this page is meant to serve as the stepping-stone for your research.
Annotated Bibliographies
Books
Videos
Periodicals
Websites
Databases-Abstracts and Full-Text
Hawai'i State Library

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHIES

Under Basic Search:
Apple, Margaret W. Selective Bibliography of Hawaiian Myths and Legends. Publisher unknown, 1966. H 016.398 A

Dishnow, Ruth E. A Selective Annotated Bibliography for the Female Hawaiian Lizard Goddesses, the Moo. Honolulu: Paper prepared for LS 693, Hawaiian resources, 1987. H 016.3982 D

Golembeski, Carol. Legends of Hilo and Puna: A Bibliography of Sources and an Index of Selected Stories. Honolulu: [Paper] submitted to Dr. Chieko Tachihata [for] Library resources about native Hawaiians, GS 675, University of Hawai'i- Manoa, Graduate School of Library Studies, 1987. R H 016.3982 G

Gotanda, Masae. Basic Hawaiiana. Honolulu: Hawai'i State Library, Hawai'i State Public Library System, State of Hawai'i, 1990. H 016.9969 Hawb

Gotanda, Masae. Hawaiian Legends Index. Honolulu: Hawai'i State Library, Hawai'i State Public Library System, State of Hawai'i, 1989. H 016.3982 H

Kittelson, David J. The Hawaiians: An Annotated Bibliography. Honolulu: Social Sciene Research Institute, University of Hawai'i, 1985. H 016.9969 K

Leib, Amos P. and A. Grove Day. Hawaiian Legends in English: An Annotated Bibliography. Honolulu: University Press of Hawai'i, c1979. H 016.398 L

Nakamura, Margaret and Richard Nakamura. Nonbook Hawaiiana: An Annotated Bibliography. Waianae, Hawai'i: Nanakuli Model Schools Project, Dept. of Education, State of Hawai'i, 1974. H 016.9969 H

Nimmo, Harry Arlo. The Pele Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of the English-Language Literature on Pele, Volcano Goddess of Hawai'i. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1992. H 016.3982 N

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BOOKS

Under Basic Search:
Alameida, Roy. Na Mo'olelo Hawai'i O Ka Wa Kahiko; Stories of Old Hawai'i: a Literary Companion to "The Hawaiians of Old." Honolulu: Bess Press, c1997. H 398.2 A
A collection of forty-five Hawaiian legends that are divided into categories such as music and dance, plants, beliefs and customs, and earth, fire and water.
Beckwith, Martha Warren. Hawaiian Mythology. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, c1970. H 291 B
A comprehensive survey and analysis of traditional narrative art as it appears in genealogies and legends. Contains references to historical backgrounds as reflected in stories and to similar versions in other Polynesian narratives. Subject matter is divided by gods and ghosts, ancestors and fiction in the form of legends and romance.
Colum, Padraic. Legends of Hawai'i. New Haven: Yale University Press, c1937. H 398.2 C
One of the few retellings of Hawaiian legends with any pretense to literary excellence. These are selected stories from Colum's book, At the Gateways of the Day and the Bright Islands.
Fornander, Abraham. Fornander Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folk-lore: the Hawaiian Account of the Formation of Their Islands and Origin of Their Race, With the Traditions of Their Migrations, Etc., as Gathered from Original Sources. Honolulu: 'Ai Pohaku Press, 1999. H 398.2 Fo (vol. 4-6) or H 507 B4M3 (vol. IV-V)
Extensive compilation of Hawaiian legends and traditions is based on the collections of S. N. Haleole, Samuel Kamakau and other early nineteenth century Hawaiian scholars. Features Hawaiian text and English translation on opposite pages.
Hoyt, Helen P. The Night Marchers: A Tale of the Huaka'i Po. Norfolk Island, Australia, Island Heritage, 1976. H 398.2 H
Stories of the Huaka'i po (night procession of spirits of the departed).
Kalakaua, David, King of Hawaii. The Legends and Myths of Hawai'i: The Fables and Folk-lore of a Strange People. Honolulu: Mutual Pub., c1990. H 398.2 K
First edition published in 1888. An early source of recorded folklore which includes myths of Pele and other deities as well as legends of famous ali'i's.
Kaleoikapolialoha. Tales from the Enchanted Isles Hawai'i.. Honolulu: Ka'imi Pono Press, c1998. H 398.2 K
Collection of stories about 'uhane, Hawaiian spirits, mythical creatures and ali'i from long ago.
Kame'eleihiwa, Lilikala K. He Mo'olelo Ka'ao O Kamapua'a. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, c1996. H398.2 Mo
An annotated translation of a Hawaiian epic from Ka Leo O Ka Lahui (June 22, 1891-July 23, 1891). Collection of stories of Kamapua'a's genealogy, adventures and his encounters with Olopana, Lonoka'eho, Puanui and the goddess, Pele.
Kane, Herb Kawainui. Pele, Goddess of Hawai'i's Volcanoes. Hawai'i: Kawainui Press, 1996. H 398.2 K
Stories of Pele's search for home, her family, her affair with Lohi'au, her conflict with Poli'ahu, and her encounters with Kamapua'a and Kahawali. Also includes stories of her encounters with Kamehameha, Kapi'olani, and Princess Ruth.
Kawaharada, Dennis. Ancient O'ahu: Stories From Fornander & Thrum. Honolulu: Kalamaku Press, 2001. H 398.2 An
The stories present an ancient history of the island and its first people, telling of the heroes, ancestral spirits, and demigods who performed good works and punished evil-doers.
Knudsen, Eric A. Spooky Stuffs: Hawaiian Ghost Stories. Aiea, Hawai'i: Island Heritage, 1994. H K
A collection of tales from Hawai'i that recall ghosts and other unexplainable occurrences.
McBride, L. R. Pele, Volcano Goddess of Hawai'i. Hilo, Hawai'i: Petroglyph Press, c1968. H 398.2 M
Retellings of Pele's journey to Hawai'i. Accounts of traditional beliefs and contemporary beliefs. Retellings of stories of 'Ohi'a and Lehua and Kalapana, who kept a vow not to cut his hair until he visited Pele.
Nakuina, Emma M. and others. Nanaue, the Shark Man: & Other Hawaiian Shark Stories. Honolulu: Kalamaku Press, c1994. H 398.2 N
The traditional stories of Nanaue and other shark spirits, or 'aumakua, along with an essay by Martha W. Beckwith on shark worship and shark gods.
Ne, Harriet. Tales of Molokai: the Voice of Harriet Ne. Laie, Hawai'i: Institute for Polynesian Studies; Honolulu, Hawai'i: Distributed for the Institute for Polynesian Studies by University of Hawai'i Press, c1992. H 398.2 N
A collection of traditional Hawaiian legends and contemporary folktales and stories from and about the island of Molokai. Includes information about the history and geography of Molokai and the storyteller's life and philosophy.
Puku'i, Mary Kawena and Laura C. S. Green. Folktales of Hawai'i; He Mau Ka'ao Hawai'i. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, c1995. H 398.2 F
This collection of stories includes tales Puku'i first heard from her grandmother and mother when she was a child in Ka'u on the Big Island. Many of the folktales are presented both in Hawaiian and in English translation.
Puku'i, Mary Kawena. Hawai'i Island Legends: Pikoi, Pele and Others. Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools Press, 1996. H 398.2 H
Favorite legends of the hero Pikoi, the goddess Pele and other folk of the Big Island (Previously published as: Pikoi and Other Legends of the Island of Hawaii.)
Puku'i, Mary Kawena. The Water of Kane, and Other Legends of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools Press, 1994. H 398.2 P
A collection of 25 tales, grouped according to islands they concern. The source is given at the end of the tale. Also includes the story of legendayr character, Aukelenuiaiku, who stole the magical "water of Kane" to revive his dead nephew and brothers.
Thompson, Vivian L. Hawaiian Myths of Earth, Sea and Sky. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 1988. H 398.2 T
Collection of stories of nature myths and legends.
Thompson, Vivian L. Hawaiian Tales of Heroes and Champions. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 1986. H 398.2 T
12 traditional tales of supernatural heroes.
Westervelt, W. D. Hawaiian Legends of Ghosts and Ghost-gods. Honolulu: Mutual Pub., c1998. H 398.2 We
First published in 1915 as Legends of Gods and Ghosts (Hawaiian Mythology.) Includes tales like "Ghost of Waha'ula Temple," "Shark God of Moloka'i" and others.
Westervelt, W. D. Hawaiian Legends of Old Honolulu. Rutland, Vt.: C. E. Tuttle, 1991. H 398.2 We
Originaly published in 1916. A compilation to 25 stories and legends relating to Honolulu or elsewhere on O'ahu as told by old Hawaiians. Includes "Mamala, the Surfrider," "Bird-man of Nu'uanu Valley," "Iwa, the Notable Thief of O'ahu," "Ghost Dance on Punchbowl," and "A Shark Punished at Waikiki."
Westervelt, W. D. Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes. Rutland, Vt.: C. E. Tuttle, 1991. H 398.2 We
Retelling of old tales. Includes legends of Pele and Hi'iaka as well as a discussion of Hawaiian geology.
Wichman, Frederick B. Kaua'i Tales. Honolulu: Bamboo Ridge Press, c1985. H 398.2 W
A collection of 18 stories of Kaua'i's legends and early history.
Williams, Julie Stewart. Maui Goes Fishing. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, c1991. H 398.2 W
Story of Maui, the god who uses his fishing hook to pull the lands that becomes the island of Hawai'i.
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VIDEOS

Search Commands: BASIC SEARCH

Subject Headings:


Tahara, George. Kalu from the Sea. 10 min. Cinc-Pic Hawai'i Corp. 197?, Videocassette. VT HAWN
Presents the legend of a boy sent to Kalu, a sea creature in human form who was blamed for mysterious attacks on villagers. Paki kills the creature only to learn later that Kalu was innocent.
Tahara, George. Legend of the Ilima Blossoms. 10 min. Cinc-Pic Hawai'i Corp. 197?, Videocassette. VT HAWN
A bird-catcher sets out to take feathers as a wedding gift for the chief's daughter, but is delayed by a supernatural boy who gives him a better gift.
Tahara, George. Legend of the Niu. 11 min. Cinc-Pic Hawai'i Corp. 1964, Videocassette. VT HAWN
The legend of two boys who fail a traditional test by giving all they carry to a stranger, but receive in return the first coconut of Polynesia.
Tahara, George. Mana, the Magic Spear. 11 min. Cinc-Pic Hawai'i Corp. 197?, Videocassette. VT HAWN
An apprentice warrior discovers that the misused power of a magic spear becomes his master rather than his servant.
Tahara, George. Maui and his Kite. 11 min. Cinc-Pic Hawai'i Corp. 1982, Videocassette. VT HAWN
Maui rescues his kite from a would-be robber, Wind Boy, and receives an unusual gift after he fights off a shark attacking Wind Boy.
Tahara, George. Moani and the Sacred Prince. 11 min. Cinc-Pic Hawai'i Corp. 197?, Videocassette. VT HAWN
Presents the story of how the friendship between a village boy, Moani, and a lame prince results in the abolishment of the law that any villager who gazed upon the sacred prince must be put to death.
Tahara George. Pohinahina, Boy from the Sun. 11 min. Cinc-Pic Hawai'i Corp. 1982, Videocassette. VT HAWN
The famous fable of the boy from the sun who elects to remain on Earth with his friend who has been turned into the beautiful silversword plant, which grows only on the rim of Haleakala.
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PERIODICALS

To search for articles on Hawaiian Mythology, refer to the list of Annotated Bibliographies given above.


Apple, Peg and Russell. The Battle Pele Didn't Win. Honolulu Star Bulletin (Sept. 6, 1969): A-11. Microfilm
Story about the fight between Pele and Kamapua'a on the Big Island.
Burtnett, Gerry B. Waianae Re-lives Days of Ancient Hawai'i. Paradise of the Pacific v. 59 (July 1949): 24-25, 31. Microfilm
Several legends, including naming of Pali o Keawaawa (Cliff of Bitterness) on Mount Kawiwi, a place of refuge, and a tale of cannibal robbers in Makaha Valley. Includes "Mamala, the Surfrider" and "Bird-man of Nu'uanu Valley."
Doyle, Emma Lyons. The Naupapaka: A Legend of Ancient Hawai'i. Paradise of the Pacific v. 70 (Mar. 1958): 12-13. Microfilm
Frustrated, Pele transforms the boy Ikaika into the seaside naupaka flower and the girl Momi into the mountain naupaka.
Robinson, Loretta. Stories of Salt Lake. Honolulu Star Bulletin (Feb. 16, 1972): E4-5. Microfilm
Pele resides at Salt Lake on O'ahu while looking for a home in the islands. She flees from Kamapua'a, but first weeps tears at leaving her home. These tears become Salt Lake.
Taylor, Clarice B. Historic Stones of Kalapana. Paradise of the Pacific v. 62 (Mar. 1950): 6-7, 31. Microfilm
Legends and customs associated with a group of Puna stones. Various ones concern Pele, a chief named Honolulu, the elepaio bird, and Kahuoi, a farmer.
Tenbrugencate, Jan. Naupapka, the Mysterious Half-flower. Honolulu Star Bulletin and Advertiser (Oct. 8, 1972): E4. Microfilm
Tale of the naupapka, one half resides on the mountain and the other near the sea.
Thomas, John. Legends of Waipio Valley. Paradise of the Pacific v. 70 (Nov. 1958): 73-75. Microfilm
Three retellings of the mystery dog and magic conch shell Pupualenalena, the lovers turned into a waterfall and rock at Hi'ilawe, and Kalupahi, the hole of the giant eel.
Westervelt, W. D. Ancient Hawaiian Fishing. Paradise of the Pacific v. 15 (Dec. 1902): 72-75. Microfilm
Presents religious and folklore practices dealing with fishing as well as location of fishing grounds and the cooking and eating of fish.
Westervelt, W. D. Pele and the Snow-Goddess of Moloka'i. Paradise of the Pacific v. 23 (Jan. 1910): 16-17. Microfilm
Legend of Poli'ahu, the snow goddess of Mauna Kea, as she concludes her battles with Pele.
Whitten, Harry. Legendary Romance on the Rocks. Honolulu Star Bulletin (Jul. 8. 1972): B16. Microfilm
Kahikilani, the surfer of Paumalu, and the "Crouching Lion" (Kauahi, Dog of Kane).
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Websites

Under the search engine Google, enter the following Subject Headings: Hamby, Vickie. "Ancient Hawai'i," Creative Minds Mythology Ezine. Home page on-line. Available from www.create.org/myth/11myth.htm; Internet: accessed 21 Feb. 2004.

Hare, J. B. "Pacific Islander Regions-- Hawai'i," The Internet Sacred Text Archive. Home page on-line. Available from www.sacred-texts.com/pac/index.htm#hawaii; Internet; accessed 21 Feb. 2004.

Resture, Jane. "Polynesian Myths: Hawai'i," Jane's Hawai'i Home Page. Home page on-line. Available from www.janeresture.com/polynesia_myths/hawaii.htm; Internet; accessed 21 Feb. 2004.

West, Cristy. "Folktales and Myths of Trees," Spirit of Trees. Home page on-line. Available from www.spiritoftrees.org/folktales/country/folktales_country.html#hawaii; Internet; accessed 21 Feb. 2004.

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Databases-Abstracts and Full-Text

From the Hawaii State Library's Website, click onto "Other Databases." This should enable you to search their EBSCO: MasterFILE Premier database.

Under BASIC SEARCH
"Canoe to the Past," TravelAge West 34, no. 34 (Aug. 23, 1999(: 21, available from MasterFILE Premier, www.state.hi.us/libraries/hsl/databases.html (accessed 21 Feb. 2004).

Johnson, Anna. "Mystery zone." Conde Nast Traveler 30, no. 7 (Jul. 1995): 104, available from MasterFILE Premier, www.state.hi.us/libraries/hsl/databases.html (accessed 21 Feb. 2004).

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Hawai'i State Library

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Created by Genie Alvarado and Zhan Hunt.
LIS 601: Introduction to Reference & Information Services
Spring 2004