Moʻolelo (Stories)

Moʻolelo are stories, myths, legends, and part of the cultural fabric of Hawaiʻi. The word moʻolelo itself is a combination of the word moʻo, meaning a series or succession, and ʻōlelo, meaning words. Originally an oral tradition, moʻolelo can be entertaining, but also relay important lessons about the values, norms, and traditions of the Hawaiian people.

The stories listed below are merely abbreviated summaries of important tales that have been passed from one generation to the next. Having been shared by many Hawaiians over long periods of time, different versions of moʻolelo may vary, in some cases significantly.