Kapo

A fabled goddess said to be related to Pele, and to be a sister of Kalaipahoa. See Kahuilaokalani.
(kă-hū-ī'-lă-ō-kă-lă'-ni) Ka, the, huila, lightning flash, o, of, ka lani, heaven or heavens. The lightning flash of the heavens.]
1. One of the names of Kalaipahoa, supposed to be a god from a foreign country, who entered the nioi, a tree on Lanai and Molokai, hence,
2. The tree called by his name; it is very poisonous. (Ancient natives invested the lightning with a divinity.)

Associations: Kapo, daughter of Na' wahine and Kane, and wife of Kanaloa, embodies the feminine aspect of Kanaloa and is revered as a goddess of fertility, sorcery, and dark powers. She holds a prominent place among Pele's seven sisters and is celebrated as one of the goddesses of the Hula. Kapo's multifaceted nature encompasses aspects of healing, dance, and transformation, making her a revered figure in Hawaiian mythology.

Kinolau (Forms): Kapo's kinolau, or physical manifestations, reflect her associations with fertility, sorcery, and mystical powers. These include:

• Taro: Symbolizing abundance and sustenance in Hawaiian culture.

• Bamboo: Renowned for its rapid growth and resilience, embodying Kapo's vitality and strength.

• Awa: Utilized for medicinal purposes, representing Kapo's healing abilities. These forms serve as conduits for Kapo's divine energy, connecting her with the natural world and the mysteries of life.

Other Forms: Kapo is strongly associated with several stories involving Pele and is sometimes referred to as Kapo-ʻula-kīnaʻu, meaning "red eel woman" or "the sacred night streaked with dark." Her influence extends to healing, dance, and transformation, symbolized by her association with the hula, night-blooming flowers, and rainbows. Kapo is also linked with the moon and its phases, representing the cyclical nature of life and the transformative power of darkness and light.

Pule (Prayer): "Kapo, dark goddess of power, keeper of secrets and magic, grant us strength and intuition as we dance through life's mysteries. E ala mai, Kapo!"

In reverence to Kapo, Hawaiians honor her role as a guardian of the mystical arts, seeking her guidance and protection as they navigate the complexities of existence. Through dance, ritual, and reverence, they honor Kapo's transformative presence, celebrating the sacred union of darkness and light within the realm of the divine feminine.