Gods & Goddesses of Hawaiʻi

Did you know that when Kīlauea erupts, if you look closely, you might catch a glimpse of Pele in the lava? As the goddess of volcanoes and fire, she embodies the power and beauty of nature. In Hawaiian mythology, the moʻolelo (stories) of the Gods and Goddesses are not just legends; they are a vital part of Hawaiʻi and our culture, reminding us of our deep connection to the land and the spirit within it. 

Pele - Goddess of Volcanoes & Fire

The stories of Pele and her passionate power are prominent in Hawaiian mythology. Born from the goddess Haumea, Pele is known best for her passionate nature and the captivating lava and fire show that comes with her eruptions. She was also known as the creator of the Hawaiian Islands. One legend tells the tale of her journey across the Island chain, searching for a place to call home. She dug crater after crater across the islands, unsuccessfully finding her true home. Pele dug what would be her final fire pit at the summit of Kīlauea on Hawai’i Island. It is  said that she still resides there to this day.

Our Lava Flow Black Coral and Spiny Oyster Pendant is inspired by Hawaiʻi’s Kīlauea volcano, sharing a window to the world’s most active volcano. 

Māui - Demigod

Although the name Māui may be familiar, and the tune of "You're Welcome" by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson might now be playing in your head, there is more to this demigod within Hawaiian mythology. While Māui is known for his mischievous nature, he also cares deeply for the people and always has good intentions behind his actions. One legend tells of how Māui observed the people being weighed down by the sky and how the trees were unable to grow tall. With the help of his father, they lay on their backs and pushed with great force to lift the sky, allowing the people to stand tall and enabling trees and plants to flourish higher than before.

Māui’s legendary fishhook allowed him to shapeshift and travel through land and sea. Our Fishhook pendants, while they may not allow you to shapeshift like Māui, wear them as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.

Hina - Moon Goddess

Hawaiian summer night skies are illuminated by the glow of the moon and the goddess Hina herself. Hina devoted long hours to creating beautiful kapa cloth, which was highly sought after for its exceptional quality. Eventually, she grew tired and desired to leave Hawaiʻi for some rest. As the legend goes, Hina ascended a magnificent rainbow into the sky, only to find the sun's warmth too intense. Undeterred, she embarked on another journey the next night, discovering her home on the moon, where she now adorns our evenings with her presence.

Underneath Hina’s moonlit sky, Hawaiian mermaids sing and dance through the night. Our Monn & Star Mermaid designs are inspired by the glow of Hina and the magical Mermaids of Hawaiʻi’s blue waters.

Kāmohoaliʻi - Shark God

Kāmohoaliʻi, a name locally known today as an innovative designer in Hawaiʻi, is also known in Hawaiian mythology as the shark god. He is the eldest son of Haumea and the brother of Pele, embodying both shark and human form. The deep bond between Pele and her older brother is beautifully symbolized at Kīlauea Crater, where a pali (cliffside) remains untouched by smoke. This sacred site serves as a testament to the enduring love and connection between Kāmohoaliʻi and his precious younger sister.

As the shark god, Kāmohoaliʻi could transform from human to shark form, including that of the Hammerhead Shark. As a sacred symbol of protection, strength, and guidance, we embodied those qualities in our Hammerhead Shark designs.