Holo Holo Blog

As with all cultures, Hawaiʻi is not without its oral traditions. In Norway, stories of trolls deep in the forest, caves, and mountains have been passed down from generation to generation. Tiny magical tricksters called leprechauns have been linked to Irish folklore, and Hawaiʻi is the land of the menehune. Although the menehune are commonly used as a scapegoat when something goes missing, the legend of the menehune is tied to actual people who settled on Kauaʻi in the early 18th century.

KAUAʻI’S MENEHUNE

Before the arrival of our better known Polynesian neighbors, a community of short and stout, dark-skinned settlers known for their other-worldly building abilities made Kauaʻi their home. From Kahiki (the ancestral homeland,) they were considered a lower class and (ironically) lacking mana. They were nicknamed manahune as a result, which later translated to the pronunciation that we use today: menehune. 

From this tribe of people, many stories were born in Hawaiian history. Often depicted as elusive creatures, the menehune’s building abilities far exceeded the average human’s. In addition to their incredible (and quick) craftsmanship, the menehune became known as protectors of Hawaiian law/the kapu system. The menehune forbade others from watching them work, so when the mysterious construction of different structures went up overnight, they were attributed to the menehune. 

ʻAlekoko Fishpond at Niumalu, also known as the “Menehune Fishpond” is located here in Kauaʻi. According to legend, the menehune were working on the fishpond under the cloak of night until their privacy was invaded and they were forced to abandon the project. They stood side-by-side passing along heavy and sharp-edged lava rocks from Wahiawa to the fishpond close to 30 miles away. Once delivered, the stones were worked by hand to fit closely together and construct the fishpond. Because the aliʻi, (royal class of Hawaiians) broke the rule of watching the menehune work, Chief Ola instructed the menehune to cease their work immediately. The menehune washed their bloody hands clean in the fishpond, and abandoned the project. Leaving two gaps in the fishpond, generations of settlers have tried to fill the gaps, but have all fallen short to the level of stonework completed by the menehune.

MENEHUNE LANDMARKS

There are several structures across the islands attributed to the menehune. Here are a few:

• Menehune Fishpond – Niumalu, Kauaʻi – Evidence of the menehune’s incredible work is still there today in the form of a 2,700 foot-long kuapā (fishpond wall.) An ode to the menehune, the fishpond wall has withstood the test of time and the elements (with restorative volunteer efforts.) Often referred to as a living classroom, the Menehune Fishpond has been a source of food for Kauaʻi for 600 years. Keeping the fishpond clean and healthy has become a project taken on by local nonprofits after years of neglect affected the sustainability of the pond. Home to fish and limu for human consumption, as well as endangered birds and native plants, the preservation of the fishpond is essential for the local ecosystem. Mālama Hulēʻia specifically has taken on the arduous task of protecting the fishpond for centuries to come, providing fresh seafood for residents, and a thriving environment for local plant and animal specials.

• Kīkīaola Ditch – Waimea, Kauaʻi – This irrigation ditch is rumored to have been built by the menehune as a means to irrigate surrounding ponds to grow taro. Although these sorts of ditches were very common, this one is particularly impressive as it is expertly lined with stone similar to other menehune-attributed construction.

• Pao ka Menehune – Breakwater at Kahaluʻu Bay – Kona, Hawaiʻi – The “Wall of Ancients” stretches halfway across Kahaluʻu Bay and is attributed to the menehune. The story is that the menehune lived in lava caves surrounding the bay and began to construct a wall to create a fishpond. Intended to create a means for food security, the menehune’s wall was going to affect the surf break beloved by the aliʻi. Knowing that the menehune only worked at night, one of the Hawaiian Chiefs tricked them into halting their construction by crowing like a rooster. The menehune thought daybreak was near, so they abandoned the project, saving the aliʻi surf break.

• Ulupō Heiau – Kailua, Oʻahu – This massive stone structure was used as a heiau and attributed to the menehune due to the intricacy of the work, and the distance traveled to build. The rocks used to form the heiau have been traced to Kualoa–which is over 10 miles away from the structure. The menehune were known to pass rocks long distances–by hand–to erect structures like this. Now a sacred visiting place for native Hawaiians, Ulupō Heiau was a site for religious rituals and has a lot of mana.
• Necker Island – This small island to the northwest of Kauaʻi is said to be where the menehune fled to once more Polynesian settlers arrived on Kauaʻi. The stone structures on this otherwise fairly uninhabitable island are said to be the work of the menehune. 

Laying the (literal) foundation for Hawaiian history, the menehune are often said to have been scattered and displaced once Hawaiʻi became more inhabited. However, some believe that the menehune are still here, playing tricks and dwelling deep in the valleys, unseen by man. The menehune represent a deeply important part of Hawaiian culture–a spiritual connection to the land. Using only what nature provided, the menehune were able to construct incredible structures that have lasted–and will last–for years to come. The connection to storytelling, enchantment, kapu, and preserving Hawaiian culture is deeply ingrained in the legend of the menehune. However, there is evidence from an 1820s census that the menehune were an actual race of people. So, were the menehune magical creatures of the night or a tribe of early stone masons? That’s for you to decide.