Hawaiian mythology Hawaiian religion refers to the indigenous religious beliefs and practices of native Hawaiians, also known as the kapu system. Hawaiian religion is based largely on the tapu religion common in Polynesia and likely originated among the Tahitians ...

, Hauwahine was a

moʻo Moʻo are shapeshifting lizard spirits in Hawaiian mythology. Description Moʻo often take the forms of monstrous reptiles, tiny geckos, and humans. They were revered as ʻaumakua, and could have power over the weather and water. They are amphib ...

and the guardian spirit of Kawainui Fishpond as well as Pā‘eo and Kaʻelepulu fishponds.

Name

In the

Hawaiian language Hawaiian (', ) is a Polynesian language of the Austronesian language family that takes its name from Hawaii, the largest island in the tropical North Pacific archipelago where it developed. Hawaiian, along with English, is an official language o ...

, the name ''Hauwahine'' literally means "female ruler".

Characteristics

It was believed that Hauwahine ensured there was enough food available for the people, but removed the fish from the pond if the people living in the area were

oppressed Oppression is malicious or unjust treatment or exercise of power, often under the guise of governmental authority or cultural opprobrium. Oppression may be overt or covert, depending on how it is practiced. Oppression refers to discrimination wh ...

by the

aliʻi The aliʻi were the traditional nobility of the Hawaiian islands. They were part of a hereditary line of rulers, the ''noho aliʻi''. The word ''aliʻi'' has a similar meaning in the Samoan language and other Polynesian languages, and in Māori ...

. She was additionally believed to prevent sickness.

Pollution Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or energy (such as radioactivity, heat, sound, or light). Pollutants, the ...

and overgrowth were thought to be insults to Hauwahine, which was one motivation for the Hawaiians to keep the fishpond clean. The Hawaiian goddess

Hiʻiaka In Hawaiian religion, Hiʻiaka is a daughter of Haumea and Kāne. Attributes and history Hiiaka is the patron goddess of hula dancers, chant, sorcery, and medicine. Owls are her messengers and are sacred to her. Conceived in Tahiti, Hiiaka was c ...

was believed to have fought all the moʻo except for Hauwahine, for whom she chanted a

mele Mele () is a ''Comune'' (Municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Genoa in the Italian region Liguria, located about west of Genoa. Mele borders the following municipalities: Genoa, Masone Masone ( or ) is a ''comune'' (municipality) in the ...

. Nā Pōhaku o Hauwahine, a

basalt Basalt (; ) is an aphanite, aphanitic (fine-grained) extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava rich in magnesium and iron (mafic lava) exposed at or very near the planetary surface, surface of a terrestrial ...

outcropping on the west side of Kawainui, was thought to be a favored location of Hauwahine. Yellow grass and rushes were believed to mark her location.

References

Bibliography

* * {{Legendary-creature-stub Hawaiian mythology