Laka, Hawaii's Hula Goddess, Giver of All Things

Laka, Hawaiian Hula Goddess

E Laka ē, hoʻoulu ʻia. 

O Laka, inspire us. 

Laka's Mana is Ho'oulu (making to grow). Following Laka's inspiration transforms hula into a magnificent dance.

Hula is an essential part of life in Hawaii. Hula is a sacred ritual, a form of worship, a spiritual practice and discipline. Respectfully the dancers follow strict traditions when they pick the plants for their costumes and the Hula Kuahu (altar). Laka is also Goddess of the forest. Her Mana inspires the forest to grow and thrive. Honoring Laka, we humbly ask her permission before we enter the sacred forest and pick the plants.
Each plant enforces the connection between Laka and the dancer.

To invoke Laka's inspiration, the Hula Kuahu (altar) and dancer are adorned with her Kinolaus (many forms):
Maile symbolizes the umbilical cord which ties the dancer to Laka.

The wood of the Lehua tree is male and Lehua, the flower is female. They create a union between the masculine and feminine and 'allow the two to dance'.

Pili, the clinging grass is placed on the altar, so that all of Laka's Ha'awinas (lessons) will cling to the dancers.

The sweet smell of 'Iliahi (sandalwood) inspires the performance of the dancer as well as the audience.

The spirit of Laka dances through the dancer. The dancer and Laka become one, dancing inspired hula.

Laka means gentle, docile, attract. Many legends tell about Laka's fruitfulness. She is often referred to as the Goddess of Love. As the 'Giver of All Things' ancient chants ask Laka to attract love and wealth.

Mele Kuahu 

Altar Prayer

E Laka ē 

O Goddess Laka

Pūpū weuweu e Laka ē 

O wildwood bouquet, O Laka

E Laka i ka leo 

O Laka, queen of the voice

E Laka i ka loaʻa 

O Laka, giver of gifts

E Laka i ka waiwai 

O Laka, giver of bounty

E Laka i nā mea a pau. 

O Laka, giver of all things.

The island of Molokai is said to be the birthplace of hula. According to legend, Laka journeyed through the islands, sharing the dance with all who wished to learn. Her graceful movements channeled spiritual meaning and brought to life the history, traditions and genealogy of the Hawaiian people.
Laka gave birth to the Hawaiian hula on the sacred hill Puu Nana in Molokai. It is said that the remains of Laka herself were secretly hidden beneath this hill.

Laka's inspiring Mana teaches us many valuable Ha'awinas (lessons). A truly great performance in any area of life is the result of a person's discipline, positive feelings, and Aloha spirit.

The enchanting Mana of Hawaii's Hula Goddess inspired the creation of Menehune Girl Laka.

'Laka beckons you to enter her sacred realm so that your beauty can unfold and grow.'

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The Music and Surf of Hawaii with Huggable Menehune Dolls!

Welcome to the enchanting world of Magical Hawaiian Menehunes!

Huggable Hawaiian Menehune Dolls are made for small children and children at heart to bring their magic 

into your and your children's life.

Huggable Menehunes are 10” tall cloth dolls who were individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawaii.

The bodies are made out of stretch cotton and stuffed with high quality poly fill. The body is wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. All Menehunes have ears, buttocks and a belly button. The hair is made out of wool or synthetic doll hair.

In Hawaii the Menehunes are called “The Little People of the Secret Power”. They are the legendary, original inhabitants of the islands.

Huggable Hawaiian Menehune Dolls are adorable and lovable little creatures. If you hanai (adopt) them, love them and take care of them, they will reward you with their unconditional Aloha (love).

Each doll is an original design and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Hulu (Feather), the Hula Dancer

Hulu (Feather) is a Menehune Hula dancer. She wears a grass skirt, a pink bikini with Plumeria flowers and a seashell lei around her neck. Her beautiful black hair is adorned with a pink and white Plumeria flower.

Hulu carries the Aloha spirit of Hawaii. She is ready to be your new friend and dance her way into your heart.

Tiki, the Ukulele Player

Tiki is a Menehune Ukulele player. He wears a white shirt with red Plumeria flowers, coconut buttons and matching shorts. His straw hat and ankles are adorned with green eyelash yarn leis. He is playing a wooden Ukulele.

Tiki's music brightens up the day with the Aloha spirit. Tiki is ready to be your new friend and sing his way into your heart.

Nalu, the Surfer Boy

Nalu is a Menehune Surfer Boy. His blue shorts with the yellow fish match his surfboard.

Nalu carries the Aloha spirit of Hawaii. He is ready to be your new friend and surf his way into your heart.

Limu (Sea Grass), the Surfer Girl 

Limu is a Menehune Surfer Girl. She wears a pink and green bikini and holds her green surfboard with a big Honu (turtle) in the center. Limu carries the Aloha spirit of Hawaii. She is ready to be your new friend and surf her way into your heart.

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Ahi, the Fire of Hawaii

Fire is Pele: Forests bursting into flame, crackling and burning as fiery molten lava flows over the land, devouring the earth, cleansing and ultimately bringing new land and life.

Originated in Samoa, fire dancing has spread throughout the Hawaiian islands. It requires great skill to twirl, throw, catch and dance with a fire staff or knife.

Fire dancing is an amazing and tantalizing visual feast!

Hawaii's magnificent ceremonial Fire Dance inspired the creation of Menehune Doll 

Ahi (Fire).

Ahi, the Fire Dancer

Birth Date: Mei 5, 2014 (05/05/16)

Ahi's dance inspires us to welcome life’s fiery eruptions with an open heart and grow from the valuable lessons they contain.

Named after the fire he dances with, Ahi's ceremonial dance worships Hawaii's Volcano Goddess Pele. Ahi's dance is tantalizing with a visual feast of his burning bamboo fire staff, telling stories about forests bursting into flame, fiery molten lava flowing over the land, devouring the earth, cleansing and ultimately bringing new land and life.
Ahi is spinning with his fire staff, twirling, throwing and catching it. His dance is thrilling and dangerous - a magnificent spectacle!

Ahi’s Tutu (grandmother) wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into his Kupu (fern) Haku (head lei), ankle and wrist leis.
Tutu also wove Ahi’s traditional grass skirt and crocheted his red pants. She adorned the skirt with red feathers which symbolize flames.

The red and green colors Ahi wears honor the Mana (spiritual energy) of the land.
Last Tutu crafted a special amulet using red feathers and a red crystal to inspire spiritual strength, unity and love.

Ahi is about 4” 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. Ahi has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Ahi is a one of a kind display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. He comes with his story and a certificate of authenticity.

Ahi’s dance honors the sacredness of life.

Nana I Ke Kumu 

Look to the source.

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