Magical Hawaiian Menehune Dolls: Kohola, Majestic Aumakua of the Hawaiian Waters

The majestic Koholas grace us with their presence in the vast Pacific Ocean around the Islands of Hawaii. Their enormous sphere of magical Mana (spiritual energy) is absolutely mesmerizing.

The entrancing sound of the Kohala’s song is synchronized with the oneness that exists in all. It is one of the most complex signals made by any animal in the world.
In the Hawaiian waters all Humpback Whales in a certain area sing the same song during mating and birthing season from November until May. Within the 6 months season they all conform to the slowly changing themes of their song. The about 20 minute long song is often sung over and over for hours.

Koholas play a significant role in Hawaiian culture. Native Hawaiians have always honored the gentle guidance and wisdom of the Koholas. Whales are the essence of their deep rooted connection with the ocean and the Humpback Whale has become Aumakua to many Hawaiians. He is their ancestral guardian spirit, who guides, protects and inspires them.

Early Hawaiians worshipped the Kohola in the Kumulipo Chant, the Hawaiian Chant of Creation:

"Hanau ka palaoa noho I kai"

Born is the whale living in the ocean.

In Hawaiian mythology, Kanaloa was the god of the ocean. Kohola is a majestic manifestation of Kanaloa.

Lei Niho Palaoa

The Lei Niho Palaoa is a whale tooth pendant and was an important symbol of rank for the highest Ali‘i (royalty) of Hawaii. The whale teeth were collected from carcasses that had washed ashore. The carved hook pendant was strung on thousands of finely braided strands of human hair. The scarcity and beauty of the Lei Niho Palaoa and its connection to Kanaloa brought Mana (spiritual power) to the carver and the pendant’s wearer. The Ali’i believed that, by wearing this Kinolau (body form) of the great god, they would embody Kanaloa’s powerful Mana.

The humpback whale is an endangered species. Commercial whaling at the start of the 20th century has depleted the global whale population. Today, more than 10,000 Humpback Whales use the warm Hawaiian waters as their wintering ground to mate, give birth and care for their young.

Kohola, the Menehune Sailor,

was created in honor of the grandeur, wisdom and grace of the majestic Humpback Whale.

Kohola (Humpback Whale)

Birthdate: Kepakemapa 1, 2018 (09/01/18)

Kohola knows that the more he gives, the more he will receive.

Kohola sees with the heart and acts with compassion.

Kohola is named after his Aumakua (ancestral guardian spirit), the majestic Humpback Whale. Kohola always feels protected by the guidance and wisdom of his Aumakua, when he sails his Wa’akaukahi (outrigger canoe) in the gentle breeze of Punalu’u Black Sands Beach. He follows the entrancing sound of the Whale’s song which leads him to his treasures and away from all harm.

Kohola’s treasures are the precious conch shells. The Pu (Conch Shell) is a gift from the Pacific Ocean. When blown, its pure sound echoes across the ‘Aina (land) invoking blessings of divine Mana (spiritual energy).

Kohola is the most generous little Menehune. His heart is as big as the whale. Kohola’s Mana (spiritual energy) is Aloha (love) and compassion. Sharing his treasures with his Menehune Ohana (family) brings him the greatest joy. Nothing makes Kohola happier than passing out the most treasurable shell gifts to his Menehune Ohana and seeing their joy and appreciation which in turn is the greatest gift to him.

Kohola’s Tutu (grandmother) sewed his ocean blue Malu (wraparound) and crocheted blue shoes. She wove her Mana into the Ti Leaf Leis he wears around his neck. She crafted and blessed his shell amulet and adorned it with a blue crystal.

Tutu also put 4 Ti Leaves on the sail of the canoe along with a sea star and crystal. According to ancient Hawaiian beliefs, Ti leaves provide protection from all harm. Wearing his amulet and Ti Leaf lei and guided by his Aumakua, the Humpback Whale, Kohola always feels save and secure.

Kohola and his Kuku (grandfather) made his Wa’akaukahi together. Walking through the forest they started following the native forest bird who selected the tree they would use to build the canoe. After Kohola and his Kuku finished carving the Wa’akaukahi, they built the sail which has a design of a Humpback Whale. The Whale on his sail give Kohola the greatest comfort. It reminds him that, if he should ever get lost at sea, he can call on his Aumakua, the whale, who always, without fail, will come to guide him safely back to shore.

All these things were Tutu’s and Kuku's sacred gifts of Aloha (Love) to their beloved Mo’opuna Kane (grandson).

Kohola is about 3.5” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. The body is made out of stretch cotton and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Kohola has little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.

All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft dry toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair.

Kohola is a one of a kind collectible display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls.

His canoe is signed and dated. Kohola comes with his story and a certificate of authenticity.