The Legend & Culture Significance of the ‘Ōhi‘a-Lehua
BY KAPINA LANSDALE
The hardy native Ōhi‘a Lehua is one of the first plants to recolonize after the lands are blanketed in Pele’s creations (lava). Its ashy bark and explosion of blooms that come in bright and fiery orange, yellow, pink and red, many associate the plant with the Hawaiian fire goddess Pele. And, the well-known Hawaiian story that tells the tale of their intertwined fates.
When we speak in Hawaiian and we speak of people who are skilled, strong, and beloved, they’re often referred to as pua lehua, or lehua flowers. They, like the lehua, have a kind of resilience, a strength and a grace about them.
“When we speak in Hawaiian and we speak of people who are skilled, strong, and beloved, they’re often referred to as pua lehua, or lehua flowers.“
Culture Significance
This abundant plant had many uses for the early Hawaiians. The Ohia’s sturdy wood was used to create weapons, kapa cloth beaters, boards for poi pounding and statues. Leaves from the tree were used as a medicinal tea and the flowers and seeds fed the native birds like the ‘apapane and now extinct mamo. Their prized feathers were important adornments in hula and other ceremonies. When listening to traditional Hawaii Mo’olelo (stories), Mele (songs), and Oli (chants) about the land or the Gods, it’s often to hear it mention ‘Ōhi‘a or it’s Lehua flowers.
Customs
Lei makers never pick these lovely blossoms on the way into the forest, only on the way out. Stories say, if the lovers ‘Ōhi‘a and Lehua are separated, Lehua grieves from being parted from her love. Her spirit is crushed and the spirits of the forest weep for her bringing the rain. The lei maker may become lost trying to leave the forest.
Instead, the lei maker travels into the forest, gives thanks and asks for permission to pick the blooms. Then the sweet and generous pair will offer the blossoms freely and keep the path home clear of trouble.
A Girl, a Boy, and a Goddess
Long, long ago on the island of Hawai’i, there lived a beautiful girl named Lehua. With a heart full of kindness, face and form so beautiful, all who knew her loved her. She was cherished by a young warrior Ōhi’a. Legs thick and strong like forest trees, and a heart full of bravery and kindness.
The volcano goddess Pele fell in love with the handsome ‘Ōhi‘a, but his heart belonged to Lehua. Enraged when refused by ‘Ōhi‘a, Pele stamped her feet creating a fiery ring around the couple. As the lava began to ooze near ‘Ōhi‘a held Lehua tightly lifting her above the lava as it began to cover his feet. As the lava covered ‘Ōhi‘a more, he lifted Lehua higher onto her shoulders.
All the while Pele was enacting her revenge, the ‘apapane bird who loved Lehua came to her aid with help from the forest spirits. These spirits attempted to help the young lovers as best they could. The spirit folks began to change ‘Ōhi‘a’s legs into wood, his skin to bark, and arms became branches. Lehua’s hair billowing in the hot wind that blew across the lava. Sparks carried by the wind landed in her hair, looking like red and gold blossoms. Suddenly, the girl was gone, replaced by the flame colored flowers which bear her name and are held tenderly by ‘Ōhi‘a allowing the lovers to never be separated from each other.
Little ‘apapane continues to visit his beloved Lehua, and even today can be seen sweetly kissing her as she rests in ‘Ōhi‘a’s leafy arms.
Lucky to Live in Hawai’i
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