3.2 Hawaiian Spirituality and Mythology

Hawaiian deities and mythology form the spiritual backbone of traditional Hawaiian culture. From major gods like Kāne and Pele to demigods like Māui, these divine figures shaped the islands and guided daily life through their roles and stories.

Key myths like the Kumulipo creation chant and legends of Pele and Hi'iaka explain Hawaiian origins and values. Spiritual concepts like kinolau and mana connect people to nature, while practices like heiau rituals and hula maintain balance between humans and the divine.

Hawaiian Deities and Mythology

Major Hawaiian deities and roles

Top images from around the web for Major Hawaiian deities and roles

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  THE GRANDMA'S LOGBOOK ---: NATIVE HAWAIIANS GODS, POLYTHEISTIC & ANIMISTIC View original

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  'Pele' -- Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes The Big Island (HI… | Flickr View original

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  Hawaiian religion - Wikipedia View original

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  THE GRANDMA'S LOGBOOK ---: NATIVE HAWAIIANS GODS, POLYTHEISTIC & ANIMISTIC View original

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  'Pele' -- Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes The Big Island (HI… | Flickr View original

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Top images from around the web for Major Hawaiian deities and roles

• 

  THE GRANDMA'S LOGBOOK ---: NATIVE HAWAIIANS GODS, POLYTHEISTIC & ANIMISTIC View original

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• 

  'Pele' -- Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes The Big Island (HI… | Flickr View original

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• 

  Hawaiian religion - Wikipedia View original

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• 

  THE GRANDMA'S LOGBOOK ---: NATIVE HAWAIIANS GODS, POLYTHEISTIC & ANIMISTIC View original

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  'Pele' -- Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes The Big Island (HI… | Flickr View original

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• Kāne created life and ruled over freshwater, sunlight, and forests
• Kū governed war, politics, and male pursuits patronized chiefs and warriors
• Lono oversaw agriculture, peace, and fertility associated with rain, harvest, and Makahiki festival
• Kanaloa controlled oceans and sea creatures often paired with Kāne in legends
• Pele commanded fire and volcanoes shaped the Hawaiian Islands through eruptions
• Haumea presided over childbirth and fertility mothered many deities and legendary figures
• Māui, a demigod and trickster, performed feats of strength and cunning (snaring the sun, fishing up islands)

Key Hawaiian myths and legends

• Kumulipo, a creation chant, narrated the origin of the universe and all living things emphasizing interconnectedness
• Pele and Hi'iaka's story recounted Pele's journey from Kahiki and Hi'iaka's quest to retrieve Lohiau
• Māui's exploits included snaring the sun, fishing up islands, and stealing fire for humanity
• Hāloa's tale explained the origin of the first Hawaiian and kalo (taro) highlighting human-plant relationship

Hawaiian spirituality and nature

• Kinolau concept described multiple physical manifestations of deities in nature (Kāne in freshwater, Lono in clouds)
• Aumakua served as family guardian spirits often appearing as animals or natural phenomena
• Mana represented spiritual power present in all things accumulated through proper conduct and rituals
• Kapu system enforced sacred prohibitions governing interactions with nature ensured sustainable resource management

Heiau and religious practices

• Heiau functioned as sacred temples for various purposes (war, agriculture, healing) constructed under strict kapu
• Ho'okupu offerings presented to deities included kalo, fish, 'awa, pigs, and lei to show respect and maintain balance
• Pule prayers facilitated communication with gods, ancestors, and nature spirits essential in daily life
• Kāhuna acted as intermediaries between humans and the divine experts in various fields of knowledge
• Makahiki festival honored Lono annually featuring peace, games, and tribute collection
• Hula preserved and transmitted cultural knowledge through sacred dance integral to religious ceremonies