Mythical Origins

In their legends and chants, Hawaiians reveal sharp attention to nature and its workings. The Kumulipo creation chant describes the natural world and the first movements of life, naming every creature visible to the naked eye.

Hawaiians passed down their observations in stories. Their chants and mele depict a cosmos of invention and cyclical creation and renewal. They tell the story of their Islands being pulled up from the sea by the demi-god Maui, condensing geologic reality into a poetic version that applauded strength, bravery and perseverance. Other tales like those of Pele give narrative shape to volcanic eruptions, dusty craters, and black fields of rock.

Pele touched many places on Maui before making her permanent home at Kilauea on the island of Hawai‘i. On Maui, she buried her fire stick first at Pu‘u Keka‘a, just south of Ka‘anapali. Chased out by her sister Namakaokaha‘i, Pele left her footprint at Pu‘u Laina, not far away. She then found temporary shelter at Haleakala, but was eventually shut out there too. Maui's south shore last experienced Pele's wrath in the late 1700s when an eruption changed the coastline at what is now called La Perouse Bay.

Stories abound throughout the Ka‘anapali area. The Pohaku Moemoe, or Sleeping Stone, marks the adventures of Maui and his lazy friend, Moemoe. Industrious, ambitious Maui set off to snare the sun above Haleakala, ignoring Moemoe's advice to first rest and relax. After successfully slowing the sun, Maui helped his friend sleep peacefully forever by turning him to stone.

On the south side of Ka‘anapali, guardian spirits in the form of owls live at Ke Ana Pueo (Owl Cave). One of the spirits named Wahine Pe‘e saved the lives of innocents held for sacrifice at the temple. One day Wahine Pe‘e was hailed by a small girl who had seen her brother Ka‘ili dragged off to the temple by warriors. Wahine Pe‘e found Ka‘ili, untied him, and taught him to walk backwards to leave a false trail. Once the warriors learned of Ka‘ili's escape, they followed his footsteps but came to a dead end at the temple. Ka‘ili and his sister returned safely to their family. Pohaku Pe‘e stands near Pohaku Moemoe, holding the enduring spirit of Wahine Pe‘e.

In this part of the island, Pu‘u Keka‘a is also known as ‘uhanalele, or the soul-leaping place of Maui. It was here, at Black Rock, that chief Kahekili jumped into the sea, proving his bravery and ability to lead.

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