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Tales from the Hawaiian Islands

© Virginia Marin

"Hawaii is the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean." (Mark Twain)

The Hawaiian Islands ARE lovely! I lived on Oahu for three years, and during that time I had many opportunities for side trips to each of the islands in the Hawaiian chain, as well as the other islands which make up Oceania. I also enjoyed a trip to Australia. All of the people were lovely and hospitable, and the food of the islands was memorable and yummy to the tummy - except for poi!

Whether at a luau or chatting with locals on a one to one, mention always surfaced of their tales of wonder - of gods and goddesses and of their beloved menehune. Telling tales has always been a great pastime for the islanders and visitors are even greeted with "hula stories".

As Polynesians settled new islands, they took their old tales with them, but seafaring journeys were remembered in new tales of wonder, heroism and struggles with natural forces, such as volcanic eruptions and tsunamies. At times an entertainer, or storyteller, would accompany the men on their journeys.

During days and nights of scant wind the storytellers helped to pass the time and keep spirits high with their tales of Atea and Po (light and dark) - opposites similar to the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang.

Po can be likened to Yin, the embodiment of the emptiness before creation and it also represents the Underworld. It is confusion and turmoil. Atea, like Yang, represents the force of light. All that is good. It speaks of peace and serenity. In Christian terms, it would be the forces of evil against the forces of good. Satan as the fallen angel against God.

The two main creation stories of the Polynesians are Tangaroa, found in western Polynesia and Papa and Rangi in New Zealand and the eastern islands.

An important figure in their lore is the goddess Hine, the ruler of the Underworld, but the best known and the most popular hero is without doubt, Maui, the trickster who was always seen to be on the side of humans and against the other gods.

For a taste of Hawaiian lore, read short passages from the following Hawaiian favorites:

Pele's Search For A Husband, A Naupaka Legend, Manu and Pio Of Halawa, The Eternal Fires Of Lanai And Molokai, Hawaiian Genesis, Hokulea's Star of Gladness, The Menehunes Of Kauai and Papa and Wakea On Oahu.