In the heart of Hawaii lies Puna, a land steeped in ancient legends and folklore as rich as the emerald landscapes that define this sacred region. As we delve into the myths and mo'olelo of Puna, we are confronted with a tapestry of stories that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. Let's embark on a journey through time and tradition as we explore the myths that have shaped the cultural tapestry of this mystical land.
1. Legends of Pele, the Dragon Goddess, and the Night Marchers on King's Highway
At the core of Hawaiian mythology lies the powerful figure of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Legend has it that Pele's wrath can be unleashed upon those who dare to disrespect her domain, with volcanic eruptions serving as a fiery reminder of her presence. Alongside Pele, the dragon goddess, and the night marchers, spectral warriors who traverse the land under the cover of darkness, add an air of mystery to the enchanting lore of Puna.
Puna is Pele's Home.
Pele personifies fire and volcanism in all its forms. The volcanic landscape is her handiwork. The poetic name for her is Ka wahine 'ai hōnua, the woman who devours the earth. She sends streams of molten lava flowing down the slopes of the island of Hawai'i, destroying everything in its path.
ʻĀina i ka houpo o Kāne.
Literal meaning: Land on the bosom of Kāne.
Deeper meaning: Puna, Hawaiʻi. It is said that before Pele migrated there from Kahiki, no place in the islands was more beautiful than Puna.
Beautiful Pele with her powerful creative and destructive forces set so much commotion in motion upon her arrival on the island. Puna continued to be the scene of conflict over the centuries as armies from other districts engaged each other for island domination in this district known for its fragrant maile, lehua, and hala foliage.
Via Hawaiian warfare website
Images above and below: Legend of the migration of Tūtū Pele. It is important to note the conclusion of the final sentence, which mentions "Water, an element inimical to her fiery nature." This clearly indicates the severe threat that Puna Geothermal poses to Madame Pele. Geothermal fracking is unequivocally contrary to Hawaiian beliefs and culture. The injection of 4.3 million gallons per day into her (ORMATS provided this figure to the community at the last public meeting) via the lower east rift zone of Kīlauea volcano, with no monitoring whatsoever, is highly concerning.
Puna + The Dragon Goddess.
In Hawaiian mythology, there were many Gods and Goddesses. Two of the primary goddesses were revered: Kihawahine and Haumea. When Haumea was ready to wed, she chose the chief of Oahu, Puna, as her spouse. Unbeknownst to her, Kihawahine also desired Puna as her husband. One day, Puna was enticed out to sea by Kihawahine while searching for the perfect surfing spot. He was taken to Molokai, where they dwelled together in a cave for a considerable period until he realized that she was actually a dragon goddess with a harsh temperament. With the aid of his brother-in-law, Hinole, Puna managed to flee and return to his wife, Haumea, while Kihawahine continued her relentless pursuit of him --> https://www.to-hawaii.com/legends/puna.php
The legend of the Night Marchers.
The Huaka’ipo, also known as the Night Marchers, are the spirits of ancient Hawaiʻian warriors who have been cursed to march the islands for eternity. The Night Marchers are said to march in a single line, often carrying torches and weapons while chanting and playing drums. To protect yourself, you must lie on the ground face down in respect. Otherwise, the Night Marchers will kill you. Or so they say. ☆Night Marchers are well known along the MacKenzie coastline alone the pohoiki to Opihikau coastline , along the kings trail (King Kamehameha the great had his trail all around the coast of Hawaii Island--- The Haunted King's Highway
King’s Highway is an old coastal rock trail built by King Kamehameha the Great, who ruled the Hawaiian islands from 1795 to 1819.
This trail circled the entire Big Island and, for many decades, served as a major travelling route for native Hawaiians to go from one end of the island to the other. A restored section of this historic trail passes through MacKenzie State Park. Local legends say that the ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors, called the "night marchers," are still using this trail.
Over the years, people have witnessed eerie sights, like a procession of mysterious flickering torches, or heard haunting sounds of drumming, chanting and battle cries. These occurrences happen during a windy rainstorm or on calm, moonlit nights. Many local residents refuse to venture into MacKenzie State Park after sunset or during a full moon for fear of an unwanted encounter with these fierce ancient spirits.--> https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/Hidden-Hawaii-The-haunted-MacKenzie-State-Park-in-Opihikao-on-the-Big-Island )☆
.
2. The Sacred Red Lehua Blossoms and the Menehune
Whispers in the wind caution against plucking the vibrant Red Lehua Blossoms, for it is believed that doing so will incur the wrath of the forest spirits. These tiny yet mighty guardians, known as the Menehune, are said to protect the islands and their natural beauty, ensuring that harmony reigns between the human realm and the spirit world.
Dont pick the Red Lehua Blossoms
In Hawaiʻian mythology, Ohia and Lehua were young lovers, but one day, Pele met Ohia and decided that she wanted him for herself. When he reected her, she turned him into an ugly, twisted tree. Pele ignored Lehua’s pleas to change him back, and the other gods, feeling sorry for the young girl, turned her into a beautiful red flower and placed her on the tree so the lovers never had to be apart again. Legend says that as long as the flowers remain on the tree, the weather is sunny and fair, but when a flower is plucked from the tree, rain falls like tears as Lehua cannot handle being separated from her love, Ohia.
Watch out for the Menehune.
Menehune are dwarf-like creatures that reside in lush forests, far from civilization. These 2-foot tall creatures are portrayed as mysterious, but also have excellent craftsmanship, constructing anything they desire. They are credited with building the Menehune Fish Pond on Kauai – in just one night. ☆ There is a ancient menehune village off the side of MacKenzie as well☆
3. Preserving the Legacy: Not Bringing Pele's Lava Off Island
Among the many taboos that enshroud Puna is the ancient decree forbidding the removal of Pele's lava from the island. It is said that those who defy this prohibition will be cursed with misfortune until the stolen lava is returned to its rightful place, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of respecting the land and its divinities.
4. The Legend of Kumukahi and Beyond
Images (above and below) : As we journey eastward along the coastline, we encounter the legendary Kumukahi, a place of immense spiritual significance. This sacred site, along with many others, faces an ominous threat - the encroachment of Puna Geothermal ecocide. The delicate balance between tradition and progress hangs in the balance as the sanctity of these sites is jeopardized by the specter of cultural erasure and environmental degradation.
Images from KahuPuna Tik Tok . Please note Aloha activism/Kahupuna is not able to access those facebook and instagram pages since July 26th . Find me here or tik ton for updates .
"The morning sun first touches Hawai‘i at Cape Kumukahi, the easternmost point of the island chain. Because of its location and literal meaning ("first beginning, origin"), Kumukahi frequently appears in older mele as a symbol of the fresh start and proper sequence of action so necessary to the success of human endeavor. Thus, in the traditional processional chants "Ho‘opuka e ka Lā ma ka Hikina" and "Hiki mai ka Lā ma ka Hikina," Kumukahi serves as the eastern gateway through which sun and dancer pass on a journey that "floods the earth with light and brings forth vitality to all [they touch]" (Kawena Pukui, "Hulas of Kaua‘i," Bishop Museum Archives HI.M.72:5)" -->https://kaiwakiloumoku.ksbe.edu/article/mele-aia-i-kumukahi
5. Standing Together Against Ecocide: #aolepgv
In the face of the impending 2024 Hawaii Geothermal Injunction, the call to action is clear - we must stand in solidarity to protect the ancestral lands of Puna from the ravages of geothermal fracking and the ecocide of critical habitats. The rallying cry of #aolepgv echoes through the verdant valleys, urging us to preserve the essence of Puna for generations to come.
Image: original caption is included. These "Geothermic Vents" have been causing harm to humans, plants, water, and air within their radius and windpaths since their creation in 2018, when PGV foolishly began quenching wells with cold water in an attempt to divert tutu Pele.
Let the legends of Hawaii Island guide us on a journey of discovery and reverence, as we traverse the ethereal realms of Puna's mystical tapestry.
Image: KahuPuna on Tik Tok #DidYouKnow explaining why this is the only time in 80 years we legally can rid Moku O Keawe of this extreme desecration .
By delving into the depths of Puna's fabled past, we unveil a world where the boundaries between the natural and supernatural blur, inviting us to explore the essence of Hawaii's cultural heritage. Join us as we unravel the myths, mo'olelo, and magic that define Puna, a land where history and legend intertwine to weave a tale of enduring enchantment.
Image: Kīlauea is not for sale shirt , one of many passed out at the first hearing of the 2024 Hawaii Geothermal Injunction, made in Pohoiki, Hawaii. KahuPuna Aloha Activism is launching a #MalamaTutuPele #WeArePuna #FreeKilauea #AOLEPGV T-shirt line. Stay tuned on the website for more.
I love you all.
Let's Aloha our ā'ina
Let's go back to the myths and legends and learn ways to malama them.
It's time we rize
It's time we breathe.
It's time they breathe.
XO
JAZZY
KAHU
PUNA
ALOHA ACTIVISM
ps please remember I am
blacklisted now off my kahu fb and insta.
Please continue to spread the word about kīlauea desecration. Also can find me under my real name on fb: Jasmine Steiner. Aloha #KuKiaiPuna ⚘️
And Ps PLEASE CONSIDER helping me via a small donation . I have a goal of 300$ for a laptop to continue the community aid and website running. Mahalo -->
Hey, what's up! I'm working hard to support our Puna community in our fight against the geothermal plant, but I really need a new laptop to keep up with everything. Your donation, no matter the size, would make a huge difference, so please click the link below to donate or share. Thanks so much!
Comments