Hawaiian Culture & Heritage
“Io” THE HAWAIIAN HAWK
Many visitors have asked us “What’s that bird painted on your planes?”
Answer: “Io!” The only native hawk to Hawaii is a legendary symbol of royalty. The pronunciation “eee oh” is the call this great bird makes as it soars through the sky. When you see “Io” flying over your head know that this is a sign of good fortune!
“PELE” THE VOLCANO GODDESS
“Pele” is the Hawaiian Goddess of volcanoes, lightning, fire, violence, and dance.
She is beautiful but can be tricky and tempestuous. She may call her home Kilauea on the Island of Hawaii but she does not sleep. She has been seen at night walking the small town roads in the form of an old beggar woman with her white dog. Folks that give her alms are blessed. Good luck and prosperity for them. Those who spurn or deny her will find themselves sorely cursed!
Wikipedia on Pele
Wikipedia on Hawaiian Mythology
TIKI TABOO
Native Hawaiians are a smartly superstitious people. What mainlanders consider being “just rocks” or “just birds” or “just flowers” in Hawaii are animated. In other words those “things” have souls. More than that, Hawaiian gods and goddesses possess the power to assume any form or likeness they so desire (see “Pele” above). Native Hawaiians know this; therefore, be wise. Beware local folklore. And know this too; it is forbidden “kapu” to take archaeological artifacts home with you- it is equivalent to grave robbing! That lava rock or piece of jagged stone you found and slipped into your pocket? Put it back! Hawaii is a beautiful island and it is only natural to want to possess it, but you need to give it back or else…
Volcano Gallery Website
Wikipedia on Customs and Etiquette in Hawaii