The legends of the Hawaiian Islands are as diverse as those of any other country of the world. But none are so entirely distinct and separate from the general body of mythology that most legends seem to stem than those of the Hawaiian island. This fascinating volume explores these colourful and unique legends and myths, and will be of considerable utility to anyone with a keen interest in the subject. The chapters of this book include: The Ghost of Wahaula Temple; Maluae and the Under-World; A Giant's Rock-Throwing; Kalo-eke-eke, The Timid Taro; Legendary Canoe-Making; Lua-Ka-Ieie; Kauhuhu, The Shark-God of Molokai; The Shark-Man of Waipio Valley, etcetera. We are republish this vintage book now complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

“…Of special value to all who are concerned with the study of comparative folklore… an entertaining dip into Hawaiian mythology…For all who enjoy or who study folklore, the republication of these books will be welcomed.” —South China Morning Post Hawaiian Legends of Ghost and Ghost-Gods is a series of richly entertaining Hawaiian folk tales. The legends of the Hawaiian Islands are as diverse as those of any there region in the world. At the same time, although Hawaiian mythology follows the laws upon which all myths are constructed; these legends are entirely distinct in form and thought from those of European origin. Often, of course, there historical foundation that has been dealt with fancifully and enlarged to miraculous proportions. In addition to creating an abundance of attractive nature myths and cycle of legends recounting the exploits of the wonder-working demigod a magically entertaining series of tales about ghost and ghost-gods, and it was from this group of legends that W.D. Westervelt collected and translated the ones that make up the present volume.

Ku and Hina—man and woman—were the great ancestral gods of heaven and earth for the ancient Hawaiians. They were life's fruitfulness and all the generations of mankind, both those who are to come and those already born. The Hawaiian gods were like great chiefs from far lands who visited among the people, entering their daily lives sometimes as humans or animals, sometimes taking residence in a stone or wooden idol. As years passed, the families of gods grew and included the trickster Maui, who snared the sun, and fiery Pele of the volcano. Ancient Hawaiians lived by the animistic philosophy that assigned living souls to animals, trees, stones, stars, and clouds, as well as to humans. Religion and mythology were interwoven in Hawaiian culture; and local legends and genealogies were preserved in song, chant, and narrative. Martha Beckwith was the first scholar to chart a path through the hundreds of books, articles, and little-known manuscripts that recorded the oral narratives of the Hawaiian people. Her book has become a classic work of folklore and ethnology, and the definitive treatment of Hawaiian mythology. With an introduction by Katherine Luomala.