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The Impact Of Hawaiian Myths And Legends On Hawaiian Culture

1827 Words8 Pages

Historically and in modern times, Hawaiian myths and legends have significantly impacted their culture and society. In addition, these stories continue to be a source of inspiration, connection, and cultural identity for Native Hawaiians today. This essay will explore some of the most prominent ways these myths and legends have impacted modern Hawaiian culture and society, including specific legends and myths and how they have served in revitalizing the culture through colonization.
Myths and legends have played a massive role in preserving and revitalizing the Hawaiian language and culture, especially through colonization. The stories were mainly told in the Hawaiian language, being passed down via oral tradition. They provide a viewpoint …show more content…

Many visitors to Hawai’i are drawn to the islands' history, including its myths and legends. Due to this, there is an exploding number of tours exploring cultural sites and attractions linked to traditional stories, such as the Iolani Palace in Honolulu, which was the residence of the Hawaiian monarchy and is associated with the story of Queen Lili’uokalani. This has created a bandwagon effect, turning more heads toward rich cultural history. By sharing these stories with tourists, Hawaiians have promoted their culture and raised awareness about the importance of preserving it. Hawaiian myths and legends have also played a role in shaping modern education in Hawaii. Many schools in Hawai’i now teach the Hawaiian language, history, and culture as part of their curriculum. By incorporating Hawaiian myths and legends into their lessons, teachers have given students a deeper understanding of their culture and history. In addition, there has been a growing movement to incorporate more Hawaiian cultural education …show more content…

After breaking up, Pele went to live on the island of Hawai’i, while Kamapua'a stayed on Oahu. One day, Kamapua'a decided to visit Pele on the island of Hawai’i, but when he arrived, Pele was furious. She ordered him to leave. Kamapua'a refused to go, causing a fierce battle between the two. In the end, Kamapua'a was defeated and went back to Oahu. As he was leaving, Kamapua'a vowed to seek revenge on Pele. He decided to plant a grove of trees on the Pali Highway that would block Pele's path and prevent her from traveling to Oahu. Kamapua'a chose to plant the trees in the shape of his body. When Pele saw the trees, she was enraged and tried to burn them down, but she could not destroy them as he had used magic to protect them. Pele cursed the Pali in response, forbidding anyone from bringing pork across the mountain pass. The legend of "No Pork on the Pali" has had a long-lasting impact on Hawaiian culture and society. The story is often retold in hula dances, songs, and other traditional art forms. It symbolizes the power and conflict between Pele and Kamapua'a and is a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy and revenge. Moreover, the legend has also had an impact on Hawaiian cuisine. Many Hawaiians have observed the prohibition on pork crossing the Pali to this day. For example, restaurants and food vendors in Honolulu often have signs stating that they do not serve pork on the Pali Highway. In addition, the story has

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