Polynesian Legends

The Swaying Stone

[The origin of hula]

Hi'iaka-i-ka-poli-o-pele, Hi'iaka of the bosom of Pele, was the youngest sister of Pele-honua-mea, Pele of the Red Earth, goddess of volcanoes and lava, creation and destruction, life and death.

Hi'iakaikapoliopele spent her days on the island of Hawai'i, Moku-o-Keawe, amongst her 'ōhi'a-lehua groves learning the ancient art of hula from her beloved friend Hōpoe.

One day, Pele dreamt of a man and sought to pursue him. He was Lohi'auipo, a chief of Kaua'i. Amongst her sisters, Pele asked who would retrieve him. When all refused her call, she summoned her youngest sister, Hi'iaka. Hi'iaka accepted the task as long as Pele would watch over her lehua groves as well as her friend Hōpoe. Trusting one another, Hi'iaka set off on her journey to Kaua'i.

However, Hi'iaka went through many unforeseen obstacles and trials that greatly delayed her journey. As time passed, Pele's mind filled itself with clouds of treachery and betrayal. In her waiting, her anger rose and her thoughts of distrust fueled her fire. Thinking Hi'iaka took Lohi'au for herself, Pele's mind became clouded and her eyes were shadowed by rage. Hi'iaka's delay was all the proof she needed for the betrayal of her sister.

From atop Kilauea, in her home of Halema'uma'u, Pele's jealousy took form. Her rage turned to lava and she covered the island in it. Her anger, slowly flowing, consumed everything before it. Hi'iaka, upon return with Lohi'au in tow, witnessed the burning of the land. She rushed to save her friend Hōpoe; but she was too late.

Surrounded by lava, Hōpoe accepted her fate and continued to hula as the lava consumed her, turning her to stone.

Even as a stone, Hōpoe continues to hula. Swaying in the wind and waves on the cliffs of Puna, Hawai'i.

Hi'iaka would continue to hula in remembrance of her beloved friend. She is now known to us, as Hi'iakaikapoliopele, the Goddess of Hula.

He inoa no Hi'iakaikapoliopele