Mauna Kea is considered the most sacred mountain of Native Hawaiian religion and culture.
Over the last few weeks there have been ongoing protests over building the thirty-meter Telescope on this revered site, which, as the Hawaiian people believe, should be recognized and protected.
The sacredness of majestic Mauna Kea, whose summit is the highest point in the State of Hawaii, inspired the creation of Poli’ahu, Snow Goddess of Mauna Kea.
In Hawaiian mythology Poli’ahu is the Snow Goddess of Mauna Kea, the greatest volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language Poli’ahu means “caress”.
The Snow Goddess Poli’ahu gently caresses the summit of Mauna Kea with her pure white cloak in the winter and beautifies the mountain with her pink and gold cloak in the summer.
Mauna Kea
Translated from the Hawaiian language Mauna Kea means “the White Mountain”. The mountains of the island were always sacred to the Hawaiians, and Mauna Kea is the most sacred of all. In ancient times the law allowed only high-ranking tribal chiefs to visit its peak.
The fascinating summit of the dormant volcano is at 13,803 feet the highest point in the State of Hawaii. Measured from its base on the ocean floor, it rises over 33,000 feet, making it the tallest mountain on earth. Mauna Kea last erupted about 4000 years ago.
This majestic mountain is only about one million years old. In the past glaciers covered the summit of Mauna Kea. Glacial features and a few rock glaciers have remained on the summit until today.
Mauna Kea’s high altitude, dry environment, and stable airflow make it one of the best sites in the world for astronomical observation. The world’s largest collection of international astronomical observatories is located on the summit of Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea also is home to many endangered plants and animals, including the Wekiu bug, the Palila (a rare bird), and the Mauna Kea Silversword.
Lake Waiau, located on the summit platform of Mauna Kea, is one of the highest elevated lakes on the planet. Lake Waiau is a sacred site. Ancient Hawaiians believed that the Lake was a bottomless portal to the spirit world. Its water was considered pure water of the gods. According to Hawaiian beliefs, water captured in the piko (the center) is considered pure and sacred. The water of Lake Waiau is worshipped as the most sacred. In ancient time, a chief would throw the umbilical cord of their first son into the lake to reserve the place for the child's afterlife as a chief.
People believe in the immense powers of Lake Waiau up to this day and visit it to perform rituals or collect the water for good health.
In Hawaiian mythology Pele, the Hawaiian Fire Goddess and Poli’ahu, the Snow Goddess were said to have been fierce rivals. One well known Hawaiian legend tells the story of Poli’ahu winning a race against the Volcano goddess Pele at the Hawaiian sledding sport called “he’eholua”. Pele was so angry at being defeated that she threw streams of glowing lava at Poli’ahu who calmly brought down storms of snow and froze the molten rock into place. Pele surrendered and never again stepped onto Poli’ahu’s territory on Mauna Kea. The power of fire was pacified by Poli’ahu’s calmness.
The legend of the Hawaiian Snow Goddess inspired the creation of the miniature Hawaiian Art Doll Poli'ahu.
Poli’ahu, Hawaiian Snow Goddess of Mauna Kea
Birthdate: ʻAukake 4, 2019 (08/04/19)
Connect with Poli’ahu’s Mana and learn how to be victorious over life’s challenges
by caressing them with tenderness and stillness.
Swinging her magical Snowflake Ko'o (wand), Poli'ahu happily skips over the hardened lava on the majestic Mauna Kea Volcano. She is enchanted by the beauty of the mountain and eager to share the blessing of her powerful Mana (spiritual energy) with her Ohana (family) and friends.
Poli’ahu is named after the Hawaiian Snow Goddess who resides on the summit of Mauna Kea (White Mountain), the greatest volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Poli’ahu’s name means caress.
Her serene, gentle Mana is like the caress of a soft, pure, white snow blanket.
Pueo, the Hawaiian Owl, is Poli’ahu’s Aumakua (ancestral spirit) and her loyal companion. Pueo often reveals her miraculous powers and loving concerns to Poli'ahu. She appears whenever Poli'ahu calls on her, but Pueo also comes on her own at important times of change, when she knows that her advice is needed. Poli'ahu greets her with love and respect. Pueo gently chirps sweet songs and secret messages in Poli’ahu’s ear, guiding her even deeper into her place of inner stillness.
Like the Hawaiian Snow Goddess, Poli’ahu is dressed in a white dress symbolizing a mantle of snow on the mountain. Her hair is adorned with a crystal tiara much like the icicles on the summit of Mauna Kea.
Poli'ahu wears white crocheted panties and matching shoes adorned with crystals. Crystals inspire spiritual strength, unity and love. She also wears a Kupukupu (tree fern) and crystal flower in her hair. Hawaiian tree ferns represent spiritual strength, unity and love.
Poli'ahu is about 4” tall, fitting in the palm of your hand. The body is made out of doll skin and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face.
Poli'ahu has long black hair, tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.
Pueo is about ¾” tall. She is partly crocheted and made out of faux fur and real feathers
All accessories were individually handcrafted.
Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair.
Poli’ahu is a one of a kind display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. She comes with her story and a certificate of authenticity.
Poli’ahu is ready to be your new friend and caress her way into your heart.
Poli'ahu and Pueo reflect the majestic Mana of Mauna Kea.
