This retelling of a Hawaiian myth features Kamapua’a, a mischievous, shape-shifting Hawaiian mythological figure who escapes trouble with the king and the fire goddess Pele by transforming himself, often guided by his nurturing grandmother.
Final Artworks
Kamapua’a in Hawaiian Mythology
In Hawaiian lo, Kamapuaʻa is an ever-changing lunar animal that aside from human form also takes a variety of pig forms, sometimes a wild piglet, sometimes a voracious hog, sometimes a monstrous boar with eight eyes and four tusks. He is associated with Lono, the god of agriculture and often thought to have superhuman fertility.
A kupua (demigod), Kamapuaʻa is best known for his romantic pursuit of the fire goddess Pele, with whom he shared a turbulent relationship. Despite Pele’s power, Kamapuaʻa’s persistence allows him to turn her lava rock into fertile soil.
He is a trickster symbol, defiant of authority, bold and untamed, treacherous and tender, he thirsts after the good things in life—adventure, love, and sensual pleasure.
Right: This pre-missionary wooden statue of Kamapua’a was found in a cave in Maui. It is on display at the Bailey House Museum.