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Hiiaka

Hiʻiaka is a prominent figure in Hawaiian mythology, commonly described as the sister of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, and a goddess associated with healing, dance, and protective magic. In traditional belief she is also linked with hula and with guiding travelers, and she is regarded as a powerful and independent deity within the Hawaiian pantheon.

The best-known narrative about Hiʻiaka comes from the epic chants known as Hiʻiakaikapoliopele. In this cycle,

Hiʻiaka is a central figure in ancient Hawaiian religion and literature, and her narrative is preserved in

Hiʻiaka
is
sent
by
Pele
from
the
island
of
Hawaiʻi
to
Kauaʻi
to
fetch
the
chief
Lohiau
to
be
Pele’s
companion.
She
travels
with
a
retinue
of
attendants,
facing
various
trials
and
drawing
on
herbal
knowledge
and
magical
powers
to
heal
the
wounded
Lohiau.
As
the
tale
unfolds,
Hiʻiaka
and
Lohiau
develop
affection,
while
Pele’s
jealousy
and
the
complex
dynamics
among
the
deities
drive
much
of
the
drama.
The
story
emphasizes
themes
of
loyalty,
love,
healing,
and
the
tensions
that
can
arise
among
powerful
beings.
traditional
chants.
The
Hiʻiakaikapoliopele
cycle
is
one
of
the
primary
sources
for
understanding
early
Hawaiian
cosmology,
social
values,
and
the
role
of
female
agency
within
myth.
In
modern
times,
Hiʻiaka
appears
in
scholarly
work,
poetry,
and
cultural
retellings,
continuing
to
be
a
touchstone
of
Hawaiian
myth
and
art.