HAWAIIAN LEGENDS 



By William Hyde Rice 



THE GODDESS PELE 



Pele was the daughter of Moemo and Haumea, both well-known names 

 in the oldest Hawaiian legends. Many other children were born to this 

 couple, seven illustrious sons and six distinguished daughters. The young- 

 est sister of Pele, Hiiaka-ika-poli-o-Pele, was born into the world as an 

 egg. Pele concealed this egg under her arm until the child was hatched, 

 and ever afterwards showed great affection for her. 



When Pele had grown to womanhood, she begged her parents' consent 

 to travel. This was granted, and wrapping Hiiaka in her pa-u, or tapa 

 skirt, the adventurous Pele set forth. 



She traveled first to the kingdom of her brother, Kamohoalii. Champion 

 of the King. When he inquired where she was going Pele replied, "I shall 

 first find Pola-pola. From there I shall go to the land of Kauihelani, 

 where Kane hides the islands. I shall then find the far-reaching lands, the 

 kingdom of Kaoahi, the Fire-Thrower — Niihau." 



To help his sister in this long journey Kamohoalii gave her the canoe 

 of their brother, the Whirlwind, Pu-ahiuhiu, and his paddlers, the Tide, 

 Keaulawe, and the Currents, Keau-ka. Stepping into this canoe Pele was 

 snatched away at once by the wind. Kamohoalii looked after her and 

 called, "Go your way. I shall soon follow with your relations." 



In a short time Pele, borne by the magic canoe, reached Niihau. She 

 ordered the canoe to return to her brother as she hoped the queen would 

 give her another one. Then, crossing the salt marshes, she came at eve- 

 ning to the dwelling of the queen, Kaoahi, whose guards cried out that a 

 beautiful stranger was coming. When Pele was brought before Kaoahi her 

 beauty astonished the queen, who had never before seen a woman whose 

 back was as straight as a pali and whose breasts were rounded like the 

 moon. 



Great aloha grew in the heart of the queen for her guest, and before 

 eating together they took the oath of friendship. Then they retired to the 

 beds made of fine Niihau mats where they slept until the cocks crowed. 



Early in the morning the queen sent forth her messengers to summon 

 the konohiki, the overseers of the land, who were ordered to instruct all 



