HI'IAKA

In Hawaiian mythology, 'Hiiaka' is a daughter of Haumea and Kāne. She was the patron goddess of Hawaii and the hula dancers, and lived in a sacred grove where she spent her days dancing with the forest spirits. She is also called Hiiaka-i-ka-poli-o-Pele literally meaning "Hiaka from the bosom of Pele". Hiiaka was conceived in Tahiti, but carried in the form of an egg to Hawaii by Pele, who kept the egg in her arm pit to incubate it. Hiiaka is Pele's most favorite and loyal sister, although they have also had their differences.
At one point in time, Pele left her body by astral projection to appear at a festival on Kauai (in most versions of the legend; another variation has her visit Kauai physically while first seeking a home [1]) where she fell in love with a young chief named Lohiau. Upon her return, she longed for him and decided to send a messenger to bring him to her. Hiiaka volunteered to go on the dangerous journey, as long as Pele would protect her sacred grove and friends. Hiiaka's journey was filled with many adventures, but she reached Kauai to find that the young chief had died from longing for Pele. She was able to revive him, but was late in returning. Pele, fearing that Hiiaka had betrayed her and was keeping the handsome chief for herself, became enraged and destroyed the sacred forest. Hiiaka saw this, and for revenge, embraced the chief. In retaliation, Pele sent waves of lava at the couple. Hiiaka was unharmed, but Lohiau was killed by the lava. But Hiiaka's love for him brings him back to life.

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External links

See also

★ Lilo & Stitch 2 — Based in part on the story of Hiiaka

External links

★ Webcomic adaptation of the Hiiaka legend