HAWAII, HOW THE SEVEN OTHER ISLANDS CAME TO BE

Trees swayed rhythmically to the music of the trade winds. The sweet musky scent of orchids wafted in the air. The time was before Kapu. Love and kindness dominated the culture. However, the sky was hanging low.

With the sky hanging low, Maui knew that something had to be done. Seeing the plants and his people on the only island in the ocean being harmed, Maui called on three of his younger brothers to help him. Besides being the eldest, Maui was extremely strong. In the company of his brothers, they flexed their muscles and lifted the sky.

Once the sky was lifted, Maui's mother, Hina did a happy dance and sang for joy. In celebration, the men signaled by blowing into their conch shells bringing the people together. Gathering on the island, the people feasted on poi, ahi, and mahi mahi. Honoring Maui, gave him hero status. Crediting his brothers, Maui promptly shared the honor in the spirit of working together.

Nevertheless, when his brothers prepared to go fishing, tears streamed down Maui's face. He begged and pleaded to go with them. Claiming that Maui teased and frightened the fish, the brothers always refused and excluded him.

While his brothers were out fishing, Maui collected ilima flowers. The small bloom ilima flower was greatly valued and considered lucky. Alone with his thoughts, he harvested the ilina flowers.

During his picking and gathering of the flowers Maui found a magical fish hook. Thinking, this would impress my brothers. In his mind, he could picture the masses of fish that he would catch. Surely, this would amaze his brothers. So, he thought.

After picking 1000 flowers, Maui calmly and carefully worked for hours making a lei for his mother. He held the lei behind his back. However, Maui discovered his mother crying. Hina's tears streamed down her face. This broke Maui's heart.

Once Hina dried her tears, she shared her troubles with her eldest son. Maui learned that the sun moved too quickly across the sky. Without the sun, their kapa (cloth) would not dry. Knowing that every problem has a solution, he came up with an idea and plan.

With coconut fibers, Maui made a lasso. Climbing to the tallest point on the island, Haleakala, he waited patiently. When the sun's rays appeared, Maui trapped one of the rays. A violent battle followed. After a lengthy fight, the sun assured Maui that he would slow down. Given more hours of daylight, Maui's mother was happy. The islanders were happy too and ashamed that they ridiculed and made fun of Maui's plan.

Because there was more daylight, Maui's father started to work on a new outrigger canoe. Now, the blue sky and the bright sun watched Maui and his father build their canoe. Maui's father was a master builder. The outrigger canoe was going to be the best on the island.

Within three weeks, the canoe was ready. Then, Maui asked his father to go out fishing with him. Gently, the waves moved. Away from their island, they paddled further and further out into the ocean. But, Maui was prepared. He had his magic fish hook which was baited with the sacred bird feathers.

Shortly after casting his fishing line, Maui could sense he caught something huge. Calling to his father to paddle faster toward their island, the outrigger canoe swiftly and quickly headed home. Maui's father was about to look back when he saw the fishing line break.

Amazingly, Maui pulled up seven islands from the ocean floor. That's how there came to be eight islands in Hawaii. In Maui's honor, the island closest to the Big Island (Hawaii) was named after him.

Looking at a map of the Hawaiian Islands, you can see the outline of Maui's magical fish hook.

Writer's notes: Living on Oahu for three years in the late 60s, there were plenty of myths and legends. My personal favorite was the Menehune which was like Hawaiian Leprechauns. Of course, there were stories of Pele. It was the myth and legend of Maui that my story is based on. You might have noticed that facts and events were changed. This is my fable and sticking to it.

Thank you for reading! You are always appreciated!

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/hawaii/articles/4-hawaiian-legends-about-maui-and-his-mythological-fishhook