la`au
Plants
For nights of the moon beginning with Lāʻau see Lāʻau Kū Kahi, Lāʻau Kū Lua, Lāʻau Pau,
http://data.bishopmuseum.org/ethnobotanydb/ethnobotany.php?b=list&o=1
Kanaloa
The ruler of the oceans
Associations: Kanaloa, son of Na' wahine and Kane, is revered as the ruler of the oceans and the underworld in Hawaiian mythology. As the guardian of the seas, Kanaloa governs marine life and guides seafarers through the vast expanse of the ocean. He holds dominion over Mana, channeling the divine life force from Io to Kane and then to himself. In times of adversity, Kanaloa is invoked to alleviate disease and disperse malevolent forces. Despite misconceptions propagated by Christian missionaries, who equated Kanaloa with the devil, traditional beliefs uphold his sacred status as a benevolent deity, integral to the spiritual and cultural fabric of Hawaiian society.
Offerings: Sailors offer gifts to Kanaloa before embarking on voyages, including pigs, coconuts, feathers, and red kapa cloth. These offerings symbolize reverence and gratitude for Kanaloa's protection and guidance during their maritime endeavors. Prayers are offered for safe journeys and abundant catches, seeking Kanaloa's blessings for fruitful seas.
Pule (Prayer): "O Kanaloa, guardian of the ocean, we honor your vast domain. Keep us safe on our voyages, grant us fruitful seas, and connect us to the mysteries of the deep. E hoʻomalu iā mākou!" (Translation: "Protect us!")
Kinolau (Forms): Kanaloa's kinolau encompass a diverse array of marine creatures and natural elements associated with the ocean and the underworld, including:
Dolphins and whales: Symbolizing the vastness and vitality of the ocean.
Bananas: Representing abundance and fertility.
Squid: Signifying transformation and adaptability. These forms illustrate the profound connection between Kanaloa and the natural world, where every plant and creature embodies his divine essence.
Other Forms: In addition to marine creatures, Kanaloa is associated with land forms such as the banana plant and other medicinal plants, further highlighting his influence over both terrestrial and aquatic realms. The vastness of the ocean itself serves as a manifestation of Kanaloa's divine presence, symbolizing his boundless power and wisdom.
In reverence to Kanaloa, Hawaiians recognize the interconnectedness of all life within the oceanic realm, seeking harmony and protection under his benevolent watch.
Kāne
The god of creation
Kāne
Associations: Kāne, also known as Elieli, Eli, Kane Ulu Lani, or Kane Nui Akea, is revered as one of the creators of life on Earth, born from the divine emanation of Mana sent forth by Io. Kāne is intricately linked with creation, life, and light, symbolizing the generative forces of the universe. Alongside Na' wahine, Kāne resides in the celestial abode known as the House of the Sun (Hale a ka La), dwelling in harmony within the radiant embrace of the sun's rays. As the primordial lord of the sun, Kāne assumes various forms, including Kane-hekili, the thunder god, and manifests in natural phenomena such as the Taro root, characterized by its regal purple hue. Represented by an uncarved upright stone, Kāne embodies the formless essence of divine power, transcending mortal comprehension.
Offerings: Offerings dedicated to Kāne are made in sacred spaces, including temples and outdoor sanctuaries, symbolizing reverence and gratitude for the sustenance and vitality bestowed upon life. Fresh fruits, vibrant flowers, and symbolic items evoking life and fertility are presented as offerings, honoring Kāne's role as the creator and sustainer of existence.
Pule (Prayer): "O Kāne, creator of life, we honor your divine power. Bless us with abundance, growth, and vitality. May our actions reflect the interconnectedness of all living things. E ola nā mea a pau!" (Translation: "May all things thrive!")
Kinolau: Kāne's realm encompasses flowing and upwelling water, reflected in his kinolau, or physical manifestations. These include plants and natural elements reliant on water for growth and vitality, such as:
Taro: A staple food in Hawaiian culture, symbolizing sustenance and fertility.
Bamboo: Renowned for its rapid growth and resilience, embodying Kāne's vitality.
Awa: Utilized for medicinal purposes, representing Kāne's healing powers.
Other Forms: Kāne's influence extends to diverse facets of nature, including spring water, sunlight, coral, and elemental phenomena like lightning and rainbows. In the plant kingdom, Kāne manifests in:
ʻIeʻIe (Freycinetia arborea): A vine found in forests, symbolizing Kāne's presence in lush, verdant environments.
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha): The vibrant red flowers of the ʻōhiʻa lehua tree embody Kāne's vitality and beauty.
ʻUlu (Breadfruit): Legend attributes the emergence of the first breadfruit tree to Kāne's sacrifice, symbolizing nourishment and resilience.
Niu (Coconut Tree Trunk): The sturdy trunk of the coconut tree represents Kāne's strength and stability.
Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Fruit: The noni fruit symbolizes Kāne's medicinal properties and nurturing essence.
In every aspect of the natural world, Kāne's presence is felt, echoing the enduring cycle of creation and renewal perpetuated by the divine forces of life.
Kū
The God of prosperity and Strenght
Associations: Kū, created by Na' wahine and Kane, is revered as the god of war, prosperity, and strength in Hawaiian mythology. He is also closely linked to agriculture, embodying the power and fertility of the land. Kū is associated with rituals performed for protection and victory in battle, as well as prayers for abundant catches for fishermen. Despite his historical association with war and politics, Kū's complex nature extends beyond mere militarism, encompassing broader concepts of strength, resilience, and prosperity.
Offerings: Offerings dedicated to Kū are often made at Heiau, sacred temples where rituals are performed to invoke his protection and blessings. Prayers are offered for the guidance of warriors, the prosperity of commerce, and the abundance of harvests, seeking Kū's favor and benevolence.
Pule (Prayer): "O Kū, fierce protector and provider, we seek your strength. Guide our warriors, bless our commerce, and ensure bountiful harvests. E hoʻomaikaʻi iā mākou!" (Translation: "Bless us!")
Kinolau (Forms): Kū's kinolau, or physical manifestations, reflect his diverse attributes and associations, including:
Sharks: Symbolizing aggression and strength, emblematic of Kū's warrior nature.
Hawks: Representing fierceness and prowess in battle, embodying Kū's martial prowess.
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: The native tree sacred to Kū, symbolizing strength, resilience, and vitality.
Koa: Another sacred tree associated with Kū, representing his power and warrior spirit.
Other Forms: In addition to his kinolau, Kū is believed to embody various plants and natural elements in the Hawaiian landscape, including:
ʻIeʻIe (Freycinetia arborea): A vine symbolizing Kū's vitality and strength.
ʻUlu (Breadfruit): Representing abundance and fertility, shared with other deities like Kāne.
Niu (Coconut Tree Trunk): Symbolizing strength and resilience, indicative of Kū's martial prowess and protective nature.
Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Fruit: Representing Kū's connection to the healing properties of nature and his role as a protector and provider.
In reverence to Kū, Hawaiians honor his multifaceted nature, seeking his guidance and protection in times of conflict and adversity, while also acknowledging his role in fostering prosperity and abundance in daily life. Through rituals, prayers, and offerings, they pay homage to Kū's enduring legacy as a guardian of the land and its people.
lono
The god of agriculture, fertility, freedom and peace
Associations: Lono, son of Na' wahine and Kane, and husband of Laka, embodies the attributes of learning, intellect, and freedom in Hawaiian mythology. He is revered as the god of agriculture, fertility, and peace, presiding over natural phenomena such as rain and winter storms. Lono's diverse aspects include Lono-i-ka-makahiki, the god of the freedom of the end of the year, and Lono-makua, who starts fire with a staff called pahoa, symbolizing his connection to culinary arts and sustenance. As the lord of the east, Lono holds a pivotal role in Hawaiian cosmology, guiding the cycle of growth, abundance, and renewal.
Offerings: Rituals and prayers offered at Heiau, sacred temples, seek Lono's blessings for agricultural endeavors and peace. Offerings typically include food, flowers, and items associated with farming, symbolizing gratitude and reverence for Lono's role in sustaining life and fostering harmony within the community.
Pule (Prayer): "O Lono, provider of sustenance, we honor your role in our lives. Bless our crops, bring rain to our fields, and grant us peace. E hoʻomākaukau i ka ʻai!" (Translation: "Prepare the food!")
Kinolau (Forms): Lono's kinolau, or physical manifestations, encompass a diverse array of native plants and natural elements associated with agriculture, fertility, and peace, including:
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: Symbolizing vitality and abundance, reflecting Lono's connection to agriculture and fertility.
ʻIeʻie: A climbing plant representing Lono's presence in the natural environment.
Hala Pepe: A type of screwpine symbolizing Lono's influence over agricultural abundance and prosperity.
Maile: A fragrant vine associated with fertility and blessings in Hawaiian culture.
Palapalai: A native fern representing Lono's connection to the lush, verdant landscape of Hawai'i.
Other Forms: Lono's diverse forms also include:
ʻUala (Sweet Potato): Reflecting his connection to agriculture and sustenance.
Ipu (Gourd Plant): Symbolizing fertility and abundance.
Kukui (Candlenut Tree): Embodying Lono's essence and providing valuable resources for sustenance.
ʻAmaʻu (Fern) and Hāpuʻu (Tree Fern): Representing Lono's presence in wet environments and his role in fostering biodiversity.
Maiʻa Hinupuaʻa (Hinupuaʻa Banana): A banana variety associated with Lono's diverse forms, symbolizing fertility and abundance.
In reverence to Lono, Hawaiians honor his multifaceted nature, seeking his guidance and blessings for agricultural prosperity, sustenance, and peace within their communities. Through rituals, prayers, and offerings, they express gratitude for Lono's benevolent presence and his role in nurturing life on the islands.
Laka
The Goddess of Hula
Associations: Laka, daughter of Na' wahine and Kane, and wife of Lono, holds a revered place in Hawaiian mythology as the guardian and patroness of hula. She embodies the essence of beauty, fertility, and artistic expression, nurturing the sacred art of hula and infusing it with grace, harmony, and spiritual significance. As one of Pele's prominent sisters and a major deity of the Hula, Laka's presence is integral to the cultural and spiritual fabric of Hawai'i.
Attributes and Symbolism: Laka's attributes and symbolism encompass:
Beauty: Reflecting grace and harmony, both physically and in the movements of hula.
Fertility: Associated with the nurturing and abundant qualities of nature, fostering growth and vitality.
Arts: Patroness of hula and artistic expression, inspiring creativity and cultural preservation through dance and performance.
Kinolau (Forms): Laka's kinolau, or physical manifestations, include:
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: Symbolizing the grace and elegance of hula dancers, evoking the spirit of movement and expression.
Lehua Blossoms: Representing beauty and the rhythmic flow of dance, adorning performers and enriching hula rituals.
Kukui Nut Tree: Associated with hula rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing Laka's presence and influence during performances. These forms embody Laka's connection to hula and the natural world, enriching the cultural landscape of Hawai'i with their symbolic significance.
Pule (Prayer): "Laka, hula's graceful muse, dance within our hearts and souls. Bless our movements, chants, and lei, as we celebrate life's rhythms. E ala mai, Laka!"
In reverence to Laka, practitioners of hula seek her inspiration and guidance, acknowledging her role as the guardian of hula and the embodiment of its sacred traditions. Through prayers and rituals, they honor Laka's enduring legacy and seek her blessings to infuse their performances with authenticity, beauty, and spiritual depth.
Ē Laka ē … e laka i ka leo, e laka i ka loaʻa, e laka i ka waiwai (UL 34),
O Laka, attract the voice, attract profit, attract wealth.
Pele
The Volcano Goddess
Associations: Pele, revered as the powerful goddess of fire, lightning, and volcanoes in Hawaiian indigenous religion, holds a central place in Hawaiian mythology. Known as Madame Pele, Tutu Pele, or Ka wahine ʻai honua (the earth-eating woman), she is both feared and respected for her immense creative and destructive power. Legend has it that Pele is the creator of the Hawaiian Islands, shaping the landscape through volcanic eruptions.
Origins and Legends: According to myth, Pele was born in Tahiti but faced banishment due to her fiery temper and indiscretions. She journeyed to the Hawaiian Islands, where she engaged in a fierce battle with her sister, resulting in her transformation into a god. Pele then made her home on Mauna Kea, where she continues to reside as the guardian of the volcanoes.
Symbolism: Pele embodies various symbolic meanings:
Beauty: Reflecting beauty, both physically and in the movements of the hula dance, symbolizing the captivating allure of volcanic landscapes.
Fertility: Associated with the nurturing and abundant qualities of nature, fostering growth and renewal through volcanic activity.
Arts: Patroness of hula and artistic expression, inspiring creativity and cultural enrichment through her volcanic creations.
Kinolau (Forms): Pele's kinolau, or physical manifestations, include:
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: Representing volcanic activity and the fiery eruptions that shape the land.
Lehua Blossoms: Associated with volcanic eruptions, symbolizing Pele's fiery nature and transformative power.
Lava: Symbolizing the intense heat and creative force of Pele, shaping the Hawaiian landscape through volcanic activity.
Pule (Prayer): "Pele, fiery goddess of volcanoes, shaper of land and molten passion. Guard our homes and sacred places, as we honor your creative force. E ala mai, Pele!"
In reverence to Pele, Hawaiians offer prayers seeking her protection and blessings, acknowledging her as the divine force that both creates and renews the land through volcanic activity. Through rituals and offerings, they honor Pele's fiery nature and seek her guidance in navigating the powerful forces of nature.
Pele and the Hibiscus in Hawaiian Mythology
Pele: The Volcano Goddess
Pele, one of the most revered deities in Hawaiian mythology, is the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. She is known for her passionate, volatile nature and is believed to reside in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater of Kīlauea on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Pele's influence is evident in the volcanic activity that shapes the Hawaiian landscape, and she is often invoked in tales of creation and destruction.
Hibiscus (Kokiʻo ʻUla): A Symbol of Pele
The red hibiscus, known as kokiʻo ʻula in Hawaiian, is one of Pele's kinolau—physical manifestations or forms that deities can take. The red color of the hibiscus is symbolic of Pele's fiery spirit and volcanic activity. It represents her beauty, strength, and the passionate energy she embodies.
In Hawaiian culture, the hibiscus is not only associated with Pele but also holds broader significance as a symbol of delicate beauty and the fleeting nature of life, as hibiscus flowers often bloom for just a short time.
Cultural Significance
The connection between Pele and the hibiscus highlights the deep relationship between the natural world and the divine in Hawaiian spirituality. This relationship underscores a reverence for nature and the belief that the gods manifest in various natural forms, imbuing the environment with sacred meaning.
References
"Hawaiian Mythology" by Martha Warren Beckwith
This comprehensive book delves into various aspects of Hawaiian mythology, including the stories and significance of deities like Pele.
"Pele: Goddess of Hawaii's Volcanoes" by Herb Kawainui Kane
A detailed exploration of Pele's mythology, her significance in Hawaiian culture, and her various kinolau.
"Ka Po'e Mo'o Akua" by Marie Alohalani Brown
This book provides insight into Hawaiian spirituality and the concept of mana, which can be related to the understanding of deities like Pele and their manifestations.
Hawaiian Legends and Folklore
Various collections of Hawaiian legends and folklore also contain numerous stories about Pele and her manifestations, including the hibiscus.
Online Resources
Hawaiian Encyclopedia
An online resource with detailed entries on Hawaiian deities, mythology, and cultural practices.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Website
Provides educational material on Pele, her significance, and the natural phenomena associated with her.
kino lau
Gods Manifestations
“Native species were not treated as just biological elements, but recognized as kino lau”. (Sam Gon; Kumupaʻa; 199)
According to the theory underlying Hawaiian natural philosophy, all natural phenomena, objects and creatures, were bodily forms assumed by nature gods or nature spirits.
Rain clouds, hogs, gourds, and sweet potatoes were ‘bodies’ of the god Lono. Taro, sugar cane, and bamboo were bodies of the god Kane.
Bananas, squid, and some other forms of marine life were bodies of Kanaloa. The coconut, breadfruit, and various forest trees were bodies of Ku. (Handy & Handy with Pukui)
Kino lau are the multiple manifestations of akua, Hawaiian ancestors. Protocol, conducting oneself in an appropriate manner, was a part of everyday life. Permission was asked of plants (kino lau) and of the associated akua to utilize resources.
“While there is no record of Hawaiians planting native trees for the purpose of forest reforestation or restoration of native vegetation, protocol has been recorded that indicates that native trees such as koa, ʻōhiʻa and lama were not casually handled.”
“Depending on the purpose of handling, protocol specific to major appropriate gods would be practiced (i.e., to Kū for ʻōhiʻa, to Lea for canoe trees, to Laka for lama dedicated to the kuahu (altar of the hula hālau (hula school.)” (Sam Gon; Kumupaʻa)
Pukui and Elbert described kino lau as “the many forms [that might be] taken by a supernatural body.” It is derived from the words kino, meaning “form or embodiment,” and lau, meaning “many.”
Some believe that virtually every plant species known to the Hawaiians was considered kino lau of some spirit or deity. This concept helped to link the Hawaiian people to their gods.
Kinolau, are various forms or embodiments representing different aspects of the gods power and influence, revealing the deep reverence Hawaiians hold for the natural world and its interconnectedness with spirituality and culture.
In their ancestral worldview, the divine permeates everything, and everything embodies the divine.
Kino lau, translates to "many bodies" - the myriad forms of the 400,000 gods comprising the Hawaiian pantheon. Every aspect of nature, from plants and animals to clouds and ocean currents, embodies a god.
"There is a connection between the characteristics of the god and the kino lau," explains Hokulani Holt, a respected kumu hula (hula teacher) and Hawaiian cultural expert. For instance, Kāne, one of the four primary Hawaiian gods, associated with flowing water, has kino lau represented by water-bearing entities or water-dependent plants like taro and bamboo.
However, kino lau are intricate, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the gods. For example, when Kū, the god of war, is invoked, the shark represents one of his forms due to its aggressive nature.
Divine mutability accounts for Hawaiians recognizing 4 gods, but also 40, 400, and 400,000. Kino lau is a term encompassing the intricate relationship between Hawaiians and the natural world.
Holt illustrates how Hawaiians interact with gods through kino lau using hula as an example. Before performing, dancers adorn themselves and the hula altar with kino lau, typically plants associated with Laka, the essence of hula.
When non-Hawaiians came to power, hula was often relegated to mere entertainment, but it's fundamentally a spiritual practice. Before dancers adorn themselves, they must understand the story and poetry they're portraying, as poetry serves as an intellectual connection to the kino lau.
Kino lau extends beyond rituals, embodying a way of life enabling Hawaiians to thrive for centuries. Understanding kino lau fosters respect for the environment, crucial for agrarian societies like ancient Hawai‘i.
For instance, bananas are offered to Kanaloa, the god of the deep ocean. A fisherman wouldn't bring bananas on a canoe, as it's believed Kanaloa would take his offering and cause the canoe to sink.
In traditional Hawaiian society, everyone possessed basic knowledge of various aspects of life, while specialists delved deeper, fostering a cohesive culture.
Akua Kinolau
Kanaloa uhaloa, awa, water birds, banana, squid, some marine life
Kane flowing water, water-bearing entities
water-dependent plants like taro, sugarcane and bamboo,
popolo, awa, awapuhi, ki, ko
Ku shark, coconut, breadfruit, and various forest trees
Lono ipu, kukui, Rain clouds, hogs, gourds, and sweet potatoes
Pele flame, fire,lava, young lady, old hag
Laka
Na ʻakua
Hawaiian Gods
1. vs., God, goddess, spirit, ghost, devil, image, idol, corpse; divine, supernatural, godly.
ʻakua 1. s., Among Hawaiians, formerly, the name of any supernatural being, the object of fear or worship; a god. The term, on the visit of foreigners, was applied to artificial objects, the nature or properties of which Hawaiians did not understand, as the movement of a watch, a compass, the self-striking of a clock, &c. At present, the word Akua is used for the true God, the Deity, the object of love and obedience as well as fear. 2. The name of the night when the moon was perfectly full; a akaka loa o ia poepoe ana, o Akua ia po; hence it would seem that the ancient idea of an Akua embraced something incomprehensible, powerful, and yet complete, full orbed. The names of the four principal gods of the Hawaiians were Ku, Lono, Kane, and Kanaloa.
While “akua” is commonly translated into English as “deity” , Western and Hawaiian ideas of what constitutes a “deity” differ greatly.
The following fall under the category of “akua”:
a deity, a spirit, mana, strength, knowledge, things without a source, a ruling ali‘i, a corpse, a ghost, a kauā (outcast of the despised class), and a devil.
While “akua” does denote “deity,” it is important to note that not all akua were actively worshipped.
The term has more to do with the more-than-human.
Akua are nature deities, representing the elements, natural phenomena, flora, fauna, and geographic features that characterize our island world: the sun is Kāne, the ocean is Kanaloa, the lava is Pele, the earth is Papa/Haumea, and the sky’s wide expanse is Wākea, and so on. Moreover, while some akua manifest as human, unlike the Christian God, this is not their primary form.
Hawaiian gods
Na ʻaumakua
Ancestor gods
ʻAuhea ʻoe, ē ke kanaka o ke akua, eia kā kāua wahi ʻai, ua loaʻa maila mai ka pō mai ka pō mai; no laila nāu e ʻaumakua mai i ka ʻai a kāua (prayer), hearken, O man who serves the god, here is food for you [literally,., our food], received from the night, so bless our food in the name of the ʻaumakua.
hula
The Hula
1. nvt., The hula, a hula dancer; to dance the hula He hula (For. 5:479), a hula dancer. Kumu hula, hula master or teacher. Hula mai ʻoe (song), come to me dancing the hula. Haihai akula nā wāhine apau mamuli ona, me nā mea kuolokani, a me ka hula (Puk. 15.20), all the women followed after her with timbrels and dancing. 2. nvt., Song or chant used for the hula; to sing or chant for a hula. hoʻohula Caus/sim.; To cause someone to dance; to pretend to hula.
For types of hula see ʻai haʻa, ʻālaʻapapa, ʻami, hapa haole, hue, kiʻelei, kōlani, kuhi, kuʻi, muʻumuʻu, ʻōhelo, ʻōlapa, ʻōniu, pahua, paʻi umauma, ʻūlili, UL 275–6.
For hulas named for instruments see ʻiliʻili, kāʻekeʻeke, kā lāʻau, pahu, pā ipu, papa hehi, pūʻili, ʻulīʻulī.
For hulas named for creatures see honu, ʻīlio, kōlea, manō, peʻepeʻemakawalu, puaʻa.