The Hawaii Traveler

A hula dedication to the goddess Pele photo credit: flickr, taken by eye of einstein

The Nightmarchers are the ghosts of ancient Hawaiian high ranking warriors. When night descends, they march from their burial grounds to their ancient battlegrounds or other sacred spots. Those who live in or near their paths report seeing torches and hearing chanting and drums, and place ti plants or leaves around their homes to keep away the mischievous ones. The Pali on Oahu, where Kamehameha fought his last battle is the most famous of these nightmarcher’s paths.

The Menehune are Hawaii’s mythical “little people.” Similar to pixies and fairies, Menehune stand two feet high, and are nature’s caretakers. Believed to be very strong and super-crafty, these little nymphs are responsible for unexplained accomplishments –such as irrigation ditches suddenly appearing overnight–that take place while we humans aren’t looking.

These are but a few pieces of Hawaii’s superstitions and lore, but the best-known among tourists is this: Taking rocks, sand, shells or other objects home from the islands is considered bad luck. “Take only pictures and leave only footprints” is how the old saying goes.

And: Do not give a pregnant woman a closed lei. An untied one is OK.

My favorite: Do not carry pork over the Pali Highway , the passage King Kamehameha used to lead his warriors to Pali in 1795. Hawaiian mythology explains that the demigod Pele had a turbulent relationship with the demigod Kamapua’a–a creature that was half man, half pig, and the two agreed not to visit each other. Thus, taking pork from one side of the island to the other reunites Pele with her ex. (Who can blame her for wanting to stay away from a guy who’s half pig?)

Other, more obscure beliefs dissuade beachcombers from eating limpets, or “opihi,” right after picking them from the water. Failing to take them home to eat angers the sea, which will dispatch giant waves to drag violators out to sea.

Further ghost lore discourages whistling at night, throwing rocks into the dark, or saying “come in” after sunset to a person at the door; all these activities invite spirits to invade your earthly space. Those who wish to look into the spirit world, however, are encouraged to rub the eye mucous from a dog or horse into their own eyes, as dogs and horses are believed to possess a sixth sense.

Whatever you do, don’t take fruit with you on a fishing trip, and if you see a turtle while you’re out there, the sea is about to become very rough. Don’t say that the Hawaii Traveler didn’t warn you.

Whatever your beliefs are, it never hurts to visit the islands with a deep appreciation for the aloha spirit. And always say the magic word, “mahalo,”(thank you) to the people, animals and ghosts you meet along the way.

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