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Moʻolelo Monday

Moʻolelo Monday

On the first Monday of the month a traditional or modern moʻolelo depicting the culture, values, language or traditions of Hawaiʻi, will be shared through a virtual platform. These mo‘olelo promote literacy within the classroom and home, and encourage ʻohana to read and learn together. Moʻolelo are shared by staff and guest storytellers.

MOʻOKALALEO

In the 1820’s, Kauikeaouli, Kamehameha III was the catalyst for the rise of literacy in Hawaiʻi. He stated, “ ʻO Koʻu Aupuni, he Aupuni palapala koʻu.  My kingdom shall be a kingdom of literacy”. Within our moʻokalaleo, we share a literacy component that extends our moʻolelo journey. 

English

Hina

The goddess Hina represents motherhood and is goddess of the ocean and the moon. Her name means “silver or gray,” like the color of moonlight. She is the goddess of fishing and food plants, and is associated with the Hawaiian practice of kuku kapa. In Hawaiian myths and chants Hina is a prominent goddess. Hawaiʻi’s female gods are just as important as the four male gods Kāne, Kanaloa, Kū, and Lono. THere are many forms of Hina. Hina-ʻai-a-ka-malama (Hina- feeding-on-the-moon) is one form, and her moʻolelo shows these connections and their importance to ʻohana.

Many Hawaiian genealogies trace back to the first male god Kū and female goddess Hina. The moʻokūʻauhau below describes Hina-ʻai-a-ka-malama’s grandparents, parents, siblings, and their connection to the Hawaiian universe.

ʻO Kaiuli me Kaikea
The Deep Blue Sea paired with The White Fair Sea
ʻO Hinaluaʻikoʻa me Kūkeʻapua
Hina-who-expels-coral paired with Ku-the-male-procreator
Noho I kahikihonuuakele
Living in Kahiki-of-the-submerged-world 
Hānau ʻo Hinaakeahi, ʻo Hinapalehoana
Born were Hina-of-fire, 
and Hina-who-fends-off-assault
Hānau ʻo Hinalūaʻimoa, ʻo Iheihe
Born were Hina-who-expels-the-chicken,
and the Halfbeak-fish
Hānau ʻo Moahalehaku, ʻo Kiʻimaluhaku
Born were Moa-lord-of-the-house,
and Kiʻi-who-protects-the-lord
Hānau ʻo Kanikawā, Luaʻehu
Born were The-noise-maker, and The-colorful-one
Hanau ʻo Hinaʻaiakamalama, ʻo Kīpapalauʻulu
Born were Hina-feeding-on-the-moon,
and Kipapa-of-multiple-growths 
ʻO Hina ka mōhai, ʻO Kīpapa ka ʻike
Hina is the sacrifice,
Kīpapa is the holder of knowledge
ʻO Hinaʻaiakamalama nona ka moʻolelo
This story is for Hinaʻaiakamalama
Lelekamanu Program
June 2021
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Moʻo ʻŌlelo

Weekly, a Mo‘o ‘Ōlelo, a succession of Hawaiian words or phrases will be shared.  The mana‘o behind each word or phrase relates to the mo‘olelo being presented.  This component will enhance cultural awareness and knowledge through Hawaiian language.

ʻōlelo Noeʻau #2194:

Molokaʻi nui a Hina

Great Molokaʻi, land of Hina

The goddess Hina-nui-a-(ka)-lana (Hinanu) is the mother of the priestly island Moloka’i after her short relationship with Wākea the primal father.

Hina-ʻai-malama

Hina feeding on the moon.

One version of the Hina Myths found in Hawaiian Mythology, says that the food calabash that was entrusted to Hina by her brother contained the moon and stars that escaped to the heavens.

Hina-ʻai-malama named her calabash after her brother Kipapa-lau-ula, who was placed as a guard to Hina by their father Kukeapua. Hina was his favorite child and idol.

HIna-i kapaʻi-kua

Hina the tapa beater

It is well known that the goddess Hina was an expert at kapa making. So silky and soft was her cloth that we have never seen any like it.

Hina

The goddess Hina appears as a strong female force in Hawaiian creation myths and chants.

She is seen as a female creative and productive power of the physical world as well as a common ancestor to many mythical and real personages. (source:Hina the Goddess written by Dietrich Varez)

Join us as we learn more about Hina and her many forms.

Mahalo for participating in our program.

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Comments (1)

Explicación de la leyenda hawaiana de Pele y Kamapua'a - HISTORIA
2023-09-03 at 11:49 pm

[…] del cafe), Diosa de la maternidad, la luna, el océano, la pesca y las plantas alimenticias (vía Papahana Kuaola). Si bien en la mayoría de las versiones del cuento se sabe quién era su madre, quién es su […]

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