The four main gods (akua) are Ku, Kane, Lono and Kanaloa. Then there are many lesser gods (kupua), each associated with certain professions. In addition to the gods and goddesses, there are family gods or guardians (aumakua). The many gods of Hawaii and Polynesia were often represented by tikis. Tiki statues were carved to represent the image of a certain god and as an embodiment of that specific god's mana, or power.
- Kane: Father of living creatures. Kane is the highest of the four major gods.
- Ku: God of war. Human sacrifices were made to Ku in ancient times.
- Kanaloa: God of the underworld and a teacher of magic. Ruler of the ocean. Complementary power and close companion of Kane.
- Lono: God of agriculture. Associated with fertility, rainfall, music and peace.
- Pele: Goddess of the volcanoes, as well as fire, lightning and wind.
- Hina: Goddess of Moon.
- Laka: Goddess of the hula.
- Kuula: God of fishermen.
- Papa: Fertility goddess. Earth mother
The Menehune are a mythological
dwarf people in
Hawaiian tradition who are said to live in the deep forests and hidden valleys of the
Hawaiian Islands, hidden and far away from human settlements.
The Menehune are described as superb craftspeople. They built temples (
heiau),
fishponds, roads,
canoes, and houses. Some of these structures that Hawaiian folklore attributed to the Menehune still exist. They are said to have lived in
Hawaiʻi before settlers arrived from
Polynesia many centuries ago. Their favorite food is the maiʻa (
banana), and they also like fish. Legend has it that the Menehune will only appear during night hours, in order to build masterpieces. But if they fail to complete their work in the length of the night, they will leave it unoccupied. No one but their children and humans connected to them, are able to see the Menehune.
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