Customer Reviews

The Legends and Myths of Hawaii: The Fables and Folk-Lore of a Strange People

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Originally published in 1888, The Legends And Myths of Hawaii by King David Kalakaua is probably the best book currently available on Hawaiian folklore, and due to its authentic pedigree, likely to be for some time. Written with a certain amount of historical bias and subjectivity, only a thoroughly objective, enthusiastic and well-conceived scholarly overview will be able to equal it.

In the early 19th century, and under the rule of an inappropriate king, a band of political and religious leaders of the only-recently united Hawaiian Islands formed a conspiracy with the intent of overthrowing the centuries-old native Hawaiian religion and tabu (taboo) traditions. Though Christian missionaries were to arrive later, the conspirators had recently witnessed the arrival of foreign merchants to the islands, white men who appeared to act as they pleased without receiving fatal punishment from the native gods. The weak young king, already something of a hedonist, was persuaded by the conspirators to join them in a public display of tabu defiance. Sadly, the conspirators were successful, and on that day the tabu system, gods, and idols--their entire centuries-old religious system--officially went into the fire forever.

Author Kalakaua, a direct descendant of the royal line, was famous during his reign for attempting to reverse this cultural dissolution and return the full majesty of the ancient Hawaiian traditions back to prominence among his people. Legends And Myths Of Hawaii was part of his effort, and, as such, has an important and dignified history. Throughout the volume, sensitive readers may sense the author's mental, emotional, and historical intimacy with his material. Only a hundred years before his book was published, the Hawaiian people were still 'pure,' free of Western influence, and living a relatively comfortable stone-age existence after fifteen centuries. .

Beautifully introduced by R. M. Daggett and highly readable throughout, the text underscores the importance of honor, nobility of character, the warrior code, respect for self, family and nature, and finding the necessary balance between individual and communal needs. Sneakiness, pettiness, and selfishness are found to be disreputable qualities; facial beauty, excellent physical proportion, athletic ability, personal integrity, and joy in life are highly valued.

As outlined by the tales, gender roles are traditional: men are expected to be masculine and honorable, whether warrior, sportsman, shaman, folk-singer, fisherman, or farmer. Women are observed to be behaving appropriately when warm, supportive, comforting, and pure of intention. Interestingly, though denied the better food under the tabu system, women are often portrayed as objects of veneration, worthy of the sacrifice of a man's life, and held as equals in love relationships. For both sexes, responsible and dedicated parenting is fundamental.

These are vital, proud legends of heroes and heroines; their blood percolates through the book's pages. Expectedly, the stories are largely archetypal: there are quests, plagues upon the land, a high priest swallowed by a whale, and solar and lunar motifs. War and the conflicts that lead to war are a constant theme; gods, demi-gods, and goddesses are continually present. Though giants, evil spirits and monsters lurk under the sea, behind mountains and in trees and rocks, the writing is evenly balanced so just the suggestion of a hidden underwater cave, a long journey, an inter-family act of betrayal or a timeless, unconditional love creates the required interest and suspense. No single storytelling component is emphasized over another, and though each tale has an ethical point and lesson, the writing is never didactic. Each of the legends is enthusiastically told, and Kalakaua's terse descriptions of nature are simply beautiful.

Amazingly, Kalakaua jumps from the myths of island antiquity to those of his own century without a shift or change of tone; for the Hawaiian people, he seems to be saying, the miraculous moment is always now, as it was then, in the present. The legends are still unfolding, and wonders never cease.

Legends And Myths of Hawaii also contains a map of the islands, an excellent glossary of Hawaiian words and their meanings, as well as a brief but effective pronunciation guide.

As a online pal of mine pointed out to me recently, many people who have visited Hawaii seem to be on a quest to find 'the real Hawaii' - unspoiled by American influence and modern capitalism. This book provides a very unique insight into the ancient Hawaiian culture. Interestingly enough, many of the stories - including the Hawaiian creation myth - bear a strong resemblance to that of other cultures. The legends compiled here are poetic and mystical, reading like the script to an anime movie. My personal favorite was 'The Iron Knife,' which recounts the story of the first metal weapon introduced to the islands. 'Umi, The Peasant Prince of Hawaii' is another one that stands out. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the book, however, lies in the fact that each ot the stories are just as based in fact as they are in fiction. I highly recommend this book to anyone with even a wanning interest in the islands. The only drawbacks I see is that to someone not familiar with the Hawaiian language, keeping some of the character names in line may take a bit of effort; and at times, the attention to small details are bordering on tedious. A great read, nonetheless.

The Legends and Myths of Hawaii is one of the finest books you will ever read concerning that magical fleet of islands anchored in the Pacific, not to mention one of the very best mythology books you will find anywhere. Written with great gusto by David Kalakaua, His Hawaiian Majesty who was also somewhat of a Renaissance Man, these fabulous tales mix fact with fiction, historical figures with gods and goddesses, past and present into a rich stew of oral myth/history, certain to captivate even the most jaded reader. Indeed, the most striking feature of these wonderful tales is how the author accepts as gospel truth many suppositions that scientists and cultural anthopologists are still debating more than a century after his death. For example, most "scholarly" references to Ancient Hawaii mention the Menehunes, that proto-Hawaiian, pre-Polynesian race of people that supposedly inhabited the islands until the turn of the last millenium, but most sources still conjecture whether this band of early settlers existed in actual fact or only in myth and legend. His Majesty not only acknowledges that Menehunes lived and thrived, but actually may have survived the later "Polynesian invasion" which was supposed to have wiped them out; he cites a recent census where 65 inhabitants of a remote valley actually identified themselves as "Menehune"!!! It seems that many of our esteemed present-day scholars should in fact examine these tales more closely, the better to clear up ancient factual mysteries. (Halfway around the world, Hellenistic scholars, those concerned with ancient Greece, used Homer in their quest to unearth their legendary rival city of Troy in present-day Turkey. The bards of old truly knew what they were talking about!!) Fans of Greek and other mythologies, as well as The Bible, will no doubt discover similarities between several of these stories and the legends of other cultures, most notably in the tale of "Hina, the Helen of Hawaii," that leads off this collection. Still, even if you could care a hill of taro for the factual content or scholarly discussions of Ancient Hawaii, do yourself a favor and buy this book anyway. Kalakaua, is first and foremost, a great storyteller, and all those who love a great story will be thrilled for hours. It's hard to pick out personal favorites because all are so good, but "Hina," "Umi, the Peasant Prince of Hawaii," and any story starring Pele, the often beautiful, always dangerous volcano goddess, are all standouts. So, if you love the myth and magic that is Hawaii, buy this most wonderful book today. The words of His Majesty await your endless pleasure!

This book is indeed a masterpiece written by a real Hawaiian King himself, his majesty King David Kalakaua. As a Polynesian Hawaiian I have heard connections of the Hawaiians to Samoa, but I always thought they were just hearsays. Now its clear as crystal how Hawaiians are related to Samoa, the big island chiefs came from Samoa.

The Hawaiian King himself proclaims the Kamehameha lineage back to the Ali'i chief from Samoa named Pili, brought over by a high priest (Kahuna) named Pa'ao from Samoa. The Hawaiian King clearly identifies which ruling alii chief families descended from Tahiti, Society islands, Marquesas and the Ali'is who ruled big island Hawai'i from Samoa, the alii chief Pilikaeae or simply Pili.

The book is testament to the vast knowledge of the great Kamehameha Kings in King David Kalakaua. The written word by the Hawaiian king should be heralded and treasured for he possessed the highest of confidence, counsel, validity and security of information from his own family, advisors and educators his time.

The King's book is truly of highest value and respect, very eloquent, academic and articulate. The book is highly educational and full of information which clarify a lot about the origins of the Hawaiian people from Samoa, Tahiti and the Marquesas.

Pele the volcano goddess was an immigrant from Samoa to Puna, Hawaii according to the King Kalakaua. Classic relevations, this is a great source for understanding the birth of the Hawaiian people and their culture. The original Kanaka maoli from Samoa, Tahiti and the Society islands. The Hawaiian King proclaims the origins of the Hawaiian people from the Polynesian navigators.

A great book to fully understand the beginnings of the Hawaiian people. Written and published by the Hawaiian King King David La'amea Kalakaua in 1888. Great book, full of revelations and answers. Hawaiiana, Samoana & Polynesia exposed by a royal Hawaiian King himself, King David Kalakaua. Indeed a masterpiece.

Facinating book that places Hawaian folk lore in its historical roots. Studies of different Hawaian characters and their exploits both historically and mythologically allows the reader to dig deeper into the culture of an isolated people.

And who better to write it but the last King of Hawaii!

Certainly there is a slant to European influence, but I found that in the introduction. The assumption by the author of the introduction that most of these legends have their roots in semitic lore is going too far. Stories like these come from all cultures and have nothing to do with Middle Eastern culture.

Many people in many places of the world that have been touched by Christian missionary work fail to understand that the beliefs and God of Christianity has been drawn into the existing culture and is not as "pure" as is assumed.

I do not doubt that David Kalakaua was influenced by European thought, but he also had great respect for traditional Hawaian beliefs. To assume that these represent an European version of Hawaian lore that is false. As the royal representative of his people, David Kalakaua knew that it was his responsibily to present accurate and faithful renditions of these stories.

Contental Americans and tourists from all over the world think they understand Hawaii, but Hawaians are a secretative people about their beliefs in traditional Hawaian culture. Anyone who expects them to publically display their inner passions will be disappointed and uninformed.

Ride one of the public bus routes and while you will see the islanders in their "western" skins, just look into their eyes and you often see a detachment from many "western" styles and beliefs. They are not a rude people -- just very private.

Just because there are tourist displays of traditional forms of music and dance, tourists can't possibly get into the mind and heart of an Hawaian. Those who think they understand Hawaii from a "white" viewpoint understand nothing.

I say hurrah to David Kalakaua for his faithfulness to many of his people's stories and lore.

It's hard to rate a book of this sort.
The copy I have may be slightly different as it's edited by Hon. R.M. Daggett. The introduction to the new edition, I found a bit invasive to the content, giving away stuff before you read it. A lot of these kinds of book do this, like the editor seems to think they know more then the author, or the authors statements need some sort of clarification by an expert. These intros bother me and I tend to read them AFTER I've read the book. There is a second "introduction" which is more informative and gives background information to the cultures of Hawaii, that I wish I'd read before reading the book, but the first intro was such, that I skipped the second intro.

Now the contents of the book. This is NOT an account of ancient legends and myths, not a series of origins of the Hawaiian peoples, but covers a period of Hawaii history from about 1050 AD to about 1886. For this purpose the book is adequate. However the overwhelming themes of the books are of kings, and chiefs and their battles and such, and secondary the chief queens and princess's, with some romantical stories tossed in for good measure. So the focus is somewhat narrow. Since it is written by a king, his focus seems primarily on the ancestry of the kings and their exploits.

Some of the stories are a bit hard to follow due to the plethora of Hawaiian names which are often very similar. Fortunately he does have a list of characters before each story so you can refer to them, but it is a bit disruptive to any flow.

Also the book does not have a map that you can actually read, and if you want to follow the journeys of the stories you need a separate map of Hawaii that gives place names, and since some names have changed in the past 150 years, chances are you might have a difficult time figuring out where the stories are occurring...if that is important to you.
However some of the stories were quite engaging, and interesting: primarily the story of Umi...which also happens to be the longest story in the book.

This book is a series of about 20-30 stories, so it gives you a break every now and then. It is interesting to see how the Hawaiians seemed to make 'gods' out of ordinary or possibly extraordinary people. Some of the stories are beyond allegorical, and even beyond belief...stories anyone could make up. These seem to be tossed in at the end. I suppose these give an insight into the minds of the Hawaiians of the time.

Little focus is on actual normal everyday life of the Hawaiians of this period, so we seem to skim over the top of the average person as though they are of little importance. Which is a definite drawback to this. It's not a bad book, but it's by no means a page turner, with the possible exception of the Umi story.

One thing I found particularly interesting about this book was the period and affect of the explorers that came across the island group over the centuries, and primarily from 1778-1820. Though often current groups criticize missionary groups for 'destroying' foreign cultures, this book gives a very interesting insight to this so called destruction.

Fully 1 and 1/2 years before the first missionary went to Hawaii, all of Hawaii rebelled against their idols and gods, because they saw that the white man in their normal everyday interactions were not in any way harmed by the tabus, which lowered the value of these gods in the eyes of the people. In 1819 the Hawaiians destroyed all the gods and temples with no outside persuasion, which leads one to conclude that it is not necessarily missionaries that change cultures, but the very act of the meeting of two different peoples that changes cultures, similar to how the influx of eastern immigrants to western cultures also brought their cultures with them, changing the culture of the whole. A far different bottom line than the supposed missionary destruction line of reasoning.

While I love Hawaii and its histoy, I found this book to be on the boring side. Too many dates and names so closely related, that it was difficult to keep them all straight. I was expecting a book that was light and easy to read, but its not what this book is. If you are looking for a ton of detail, then this is for you.

What a wonderful book! It really hits the spot if your are interested in Hawaiian mythology, legends, and myths. It is written by the last king of Hawaii, Kalakaua, and I can only recommend it highly.
C.K.

Sorry for late response. Delivery and state of product was perfect - thank you!

Kind regards,
Melissa