He'e Holua, Riding the Waves of Pele

Mu, the Menehune Christmas Elf

‘Riding the waves of Pele’ refers to the ancient art of lava sledding in Hawaii. In this 2000 year old athletic ritual the natives risked their lives to honor Pele, the mystical Hawaiian Goddess of the Volcanoes.

Hawaiian Mountain Surfing

Standing, laying or sitting on their Holua sleds they would surf the lava of the volcanic slopes reaching over 50 mph. The Holua sled, 12 feet long, 6 inches wide and 4 inches in depth, was carved from native Ohia or Kauila wood. All the ancient Holua slides were built around Heiaus, altars of worship for Pele, the volcano Goddess.

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, the Snow Goddess, winning a he’e holua race on Mauna Kea, the greatest volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, against the Volcano Goddess Pele. 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.

Hawaii’s sacred sledding inspired the creation of Mu, the Menehune Christmas Elf.
Mu’s miniature sled was constructed following the concept of ancient Hawaiian sleds.

Mu, the Menehune Christmas Elf

Birthdate: Kekemapa 24th, 2013 (12/24/13)

“Mele Kalikimaka!” (Merry Christmas)

Mu's voice and the sacred sound of the Pu (Conch Shell) echo across the ‘Aina (land) as he zooms down the mountain slopes on his Holua (Hawaiian sled) ringing his Christmas bell. Mu’s Holua is loaded with gifts for his Menehune Ohana (family). There is a basket with the Menehune’s favorite treats, Mai’as (bananas),a big Kahiki (pineapple) and a perfect Niu (coconut), but there also is a box wrapped in tapa cloth (bark cloth) with a big red bow. It holds a secret present, a magical treasure which will fulfill somebody’s most heartfelt desire.

Mu carries a big surprise for you! Close your eyes, make a wish and get ready to open your magical gift!

Mu is the Menehune’s Christmas Elf. He wears red elf shoes with a matching Santa Claus hat. Mu’s Tutu (grandmother) sewed all these clothes for him. She also crocheted his green shorts and wove her Mana (spiritual energy) into the green Hulu (feather) lei he wears around his hat. In Hawaii the Hulu is believed to link to the divine.

Last she draped a Conch shell amulet around Mu’s neck to protect her Mo’opuna Kane (grandson) on his dangerous sled rides down Hawaii’s volcanic mountain slopes.

Mu and his Kuku (grandfather) built the Holua together. They carved it out of Hawaiian Kauila wood and tied a railing with raffia to both sides of the sled. They surrounded the sled with Conch shells to assure that Mu will always be save and protected on his Holua.

All these precious things were Mu’s Kupuna’s (grandparents) gift of Aloha (love) to their beloved Mo’opuna Kane .

Mu 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. Mu has little hands and feet, elf ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Mu is a one of a kind collectible display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls.
Mu comes with his sled, story and a certificate of authenticity.

Mu conveys the magical Mana of the Hawaiian Kalikimaka.

www.Etsy.com

Manini, the Fisher Boy

Manini, the Fisher Boy

Birth Date: Nowemapa 1, 2015 (11-1-15)

Manini teaches us to see with the heart and act with compassion.

Little Manini, the Fisher Boy, is named after one of Hawaii's favorite fish: The small Manini that tastes so good!
Carrying his fishing pole to the gentle waters in the bays of Punalu’u Black Sands Beach, Manini gets ready to catch dinner for his Menehune Ohana (family) and himself. First he says a prayer of heartfelt thanks for nature’s abundant offerings. He then humbly asks permission for just enough fish to come to his fishing pole so that he can feed himself and his Ohana.

Manini has a balanced, harmonious relationship with nature. He knows that if he takes only what he needs, it will always be given freely.

Manini's Mana (spiritual energy) is Aloha (love) and compassion. He is the most generous little Menehune. Nothing makes Manini happier than sharing the fish he caught with his Menehune Ohana, so that everybody can have an abundant, delicious dinner. Seeing their joy and appreciation is the greatest gift to him. Manini knows that the more he gives, the more he will receive.

 

Manini’s Tutu (grandmother) sewed his blue Malu (wraparound) and matching hat with a fish design. She crocheted yellow underwear and little shoes. Last Tutu crafted a conch shell lei for Manini. In Hawaii the Pu (Conch Shell) is believed to invoke blessings of divine Mana and provide protection from all harm.
Manini's Kuku (grandfather) made and blessed his bamboo fishing pole which always catches just enough fish for the Ohana’s dinner.
All these things were Kuku's and Tutu’s sacred gifts of Aloha (Love) to their beloved Mo’opuna Kane (grandson).

Manini 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. Manini has little hands, feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Manini is a one of a kind collectible display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. He comes with his story and a certificate of authenticity.

Manini conveys a balanced, harmonious relationship with nature.

www.Etsy.com

Aloha

Aloha

Akahai e na Hawai'i

Lokahi aku like

'Olu'olu kamana'o

Ha'aha'a kou kulana

'Ahonui a lanakila

Be modest people of Hawai‘i

Be harmonious 

Be truthful 

Humble yourselves 

Have fortitude

Aloha brings life and healing

 Kumu Kawaikapuokalani K. Hewett

Kupu and Nene

(Fern and Hawaiian Goose)

Birth Date: ʻOkakopa 15, 2015 (10/15/15)

Kupu’s music illuminates life with joy and happiness.

Hana Hou! (Encore!) Hana Hou! The Menehunes clap their hands in delight, begging for some more of Kupu’s divine music. In harmony with the enchanting sound of the Ukulele, Kupu and Baby Nene (Hawaiian Goose) sing a melodious song that touches the heart and reaches into the ancestor’s world. Kupu and Nene are honoring the Akuas (spirits) of the beautiful, secluded mountains in Kau on the Big Island of Hawaii.

They sing about the Menehune Ohana (family), Hawaiian animals, the forest, the ocean, and the stars in the Universe. Kupu's and Nene's cheerful Mana (Spiritual Energy) brightens up the day with love and laughter. Celebrating Hawaii’s Aloha spirit, the Menehunes dance through the forest to the rhythm of the wonderful music.

Baby Nene quacks and waddles along happily. The Nene Goose enhances the life and spirit of Hawaii. Nene means to cherish. She is Kupu’s Aumakua (guardian spirit) and the two of them are inseparable.

 Kupu is named after the Hawaiian tree ferns which represent spiritual strength, unity and love. His Tutu (grandmother) wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into the Fern leis he wears around his head and on his white malu (loin cloth). Tutu also crocheted Kupu's brown pants and matching shoes and crafted a belt to hold up his malu.

His Ukulele has been handed down through generations and was Kupu’s (grandfather’s) gift of lasting love and Aloha to his Mo’opuna Kane (grandson).  It is Kupu’s most cherished possession. He holds it even when he goes to sleep.

Kupu is about 3.5” tall, fitting in the palm of your hand. Nene is about 1” tall. The bodies are made out of stretch cotton and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Kupu has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button.  All accessories were individually handcrafted.

In the evenings Kupu often accompanies the Hula dances of his little sister Lili with his Ukulele. In perfect harmony they express their Aloha Aina (love of the land).

Kupu and Nene are a one of a kind display dollws handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. 

Kupu and Nene attune us to the spirit of Hawaii.

www.Etsy.com

He'e Wahine I Ka Lani - Goddess of the Surf

Amy, Goddess of the Surf

He'e Wahine I Ka Lani!
Goddess in the Surf! 

He'e Ana I Ka Lala,

Sliding across the face of a wave,
Ho'iana I Kamuku 

 returning to the curl.

Surfing began in Hawaii as early as the 3rd or 4th century CE. Hawaiian surfer girls were called Wahine and equal to me in the sport. Wahines are remembered for their grace, style, dominance and Mana in competitive surfing. Wahines loved to surf. Even the Ali'i (royalty), like King Kamehameha and his Queen Kaahumanu, were said to have surfed side by side.

"A large percentage of Wahines of early Hawaii was skillful surfers and often champions."

Native Mo'olelos (legends) give the highest honors in this skillful and daring sport to the Wahines:

Me Kui O Mamala, one of the best surfing spots on Oahu, was named after Mamala, a famous woman surfer and Kupua with supernatural powers.
According to legend, Mamala left her husband Ouha, the Shark Man, for another man named Honokaupu. Terribly upset, Ouha shed his human form and became the Shark God of the coast between Waikiki and Koko Head.

Amy was created in honor of all the magnificent women surfers of the past and present.

Amy, Goddess of the Surf

Birth Date: Kepakemapa 22, 2015 (09-22-15)

Amy inspires us to surrender to the waves of life with focus and balance, allowing them to safely carry us to our highest goals.

He'e Wahine I Ka Lani! 

Amy is a Goddess in the Surf!

Amy's best friend and greatest teacher is the ocean. Amy is a Menehune He’e Nalu
When the surf is up, Amy runs down to Punalu’u Black Sands Beach. She can’t wait to get into the ocean. Her heart dances with Hopupu (excitement) as she eagerly anticipates the challenges of the great waves.
Amy loves the Pacific Ocean and the surf has been her greatest teacher, evoking deep respect and humbleness within her. She knows that every wave presents a challenge of going with its flow. Amy watches the waves, feels them inside, and connects to their Mana (spiritual energy).
She flies along the sea on her Olo (surfboard), riding the waves with focus and balance. Amy finds the perfect attitude between tension and flexibility and rides the great wave home. It is the very best feeling in the world.

Surfing is magical; it has become her way of life! Amy is a Goddess in the surf!

Amy and her Kuku(grandfather) made the Olo (surfboard) together. First they chose the right Hawaiian Wiliwili tree for the board. Before cutting the tree, they faced towards the sea and said a prayer of thanks for the wood they would use. They honored the spirit of the tree by burying a fish beneath it. Last Amy and Kuku drew a big Hawaiian Honu (sea turtle) on the Olo. The Honu is Amy's Aumakua (Guardian Spirit). Amy is deeply connected with the ancient wisdom of the Turtle. The Hawaiian Honu represents long life, safety, peace, and good luck. Amy always feels protected when she surfs because she knows that her Aumakua is watching over her.
The wooden Olo is Amy’s most treasured possession. She always carries it with her, even when she goes to sleep.
Amy’s Tutu (grandmother) sewed her red and turquoise bikini with a white Hibiscus flower design and crocheted matching turquoise shoes. She tied Amy's beautiful black hair with a turquoise band to keep it out of her eyes while she surfs. Last Tutu lovingly put a fragrant white and turquoise Plumeria flower in her hair.
All these things were Tutu’s and Kuku's sacred gifts of Aloha (Love) to their beloved Mo'opuna Wahine (granddaughter).

Amy is about 4” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. Her body is made out of stretch cotton and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto her face. Amy has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Amy is a one of a kind collectible display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. She comes with her story and a certificate of authenticity.

Amy reflects the spiritual powers of the Hawaiian Waters.

Amy is available on special order. Please contact me at: menehunebabies@gmail.com or visit my website at:

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

Opihi, the Favorite Pupu of Hawaii

Menehune Opihi

Hinuhinu wale i ka lihi o ke kai

Shining there at the sea's edge

Me he pai pu`u ala i ho`opuu `ia

Clustered like little hills

`O ka `opihi hälala

The giant Opihi

In old Hawaii Opihi were said to have grown as large as oranges because, with their great respect to the 'Aina and  refraining from all greed and waste, Hawaiians picked only what they needed. In those days Opihi lived longer and grew bigger than today, when they grow only to about the size of a golf ball.

Opihi are small cone shaped limpets which cling to the rest cry shorelines of Hawaii. Extraordinarily strong by nature, they survive during the hot and dry periods of low tide and the pounding waves of high tide. Up to this day Opihi picketrs risk and often loose their lives picking these delicious shells. The best Opihi with the yellow meat are found on the rocks where the waves are the roughest. Always aware of the unpredictable dangers of the ocean,  Hawaiians made sure to never turn their backs to the water while using a stick to pry the Opihi off the rocks.

They referred to Ohihi as'he ia make' meaning ' a creature that could cause death'. 

Opihi was and is Hawaii's favorite Pupu (snack). It is often eaten right out of the shell. In old Hawaii the oval shaped cells with their sharp edges were always saved to be used as a tool for scraping, peeling and scooping.

Today Opihi shells are also used to make beautiful jewelry like pendants or earrings.
Unique to Hawaii, Opihi play a key role in the marine ecosystem by keeping shoreline algae growth in check.

Menehune Boy Opihi was created in appreciation of this favorite Hawaiian Pupu (snack).

Opihi

Birthdate: Kepakemapa 25, 2015 (09/25/2015)

Look at Opihi and let your thoughts too become the seeds of what you wish to harvest!

Opihi is named after the limpet shells which grow in abundance on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean and are considered a delicacy in Hawaii.

Opihi can’t wait to pick the delicious shells for his Ohana (family) and himself. But picking Opihi on the cliffs is very dangerous. Opihi’s Kupua Kane (grandfather) promised that he will teach him how to pick them when he is a little bit older.
In the meantime Opihi is content to fill his fishing net with the delicious mussels he finds at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach. Dinner will be a feast for his Ohana and him!
Opihi loves to play. While he patiently fills his net with mussels, he visualizes what it will be like when his Menehune Kaukinis (cousins), Nai'a and Amy, come down to the beach and they start playing together. Opihi imagines how they will swim in the ocean, build castles in the black sand, and play races with the black beach crabs. They will have a blast!
Opihi knows that his thoughts are like seeds which grow into reality. Sure enough, there comes Nai'a and Amy and the fun begins!

Opihi’s Tutu (grandmother) polished the most beautiful Opihi shell crafted and put it on her her Mo'opuna Kane's (grandson's) head to protect him from the blazing sun at the beach. Then Tutut crafted and blessed his Opihi shell amulet. She also sewed his red Malu (wraparound) with a dolphin design and crocheted little red shoes. All these things were Tutu's gifts of Aloha to her beloved Mo'opuna Kane.

Opihi 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. Opihi has little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Opihi is a one of a kind collectible display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. He comes with his story and a certificate of authenticity.

Opihi conveys the power of thoughts.

Opihi is available on special order. Please contact me at: menehunebabies@gmail.com or visit my website at:

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

'Ihi'ihi, Hawaiian Clover, the Good Luck Charm

'Ihi'ihi (Clover)

How many times in life do we wish for good luck for ourselves and the ones close to us? 

Hawaiian Good Luck Doll 'Ihi'ihi (Clover) can help.

 'Ihi'ihi conveys good luck, fortune and well being to all who are around her.

'Ihi'ihi's gift to you is the beautiful Pu (Conch Shell) she carries. In Hawaii the Pu is said to attract prosperity and good fortune.

www.Etsy.com

Nene Goose, Hawaii's State Bird

In the Hawaiian language, Nene means to cherish.

Honored as Hawaii’s state bird, the Nene Goose enhances the life and spirit of Hawaii.
As the world's rarest goose, Nene is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and considered an endangered species.
Nene is a shy and modest bird who meanders on the Hawaiian Islands carefully selecting leaves, berries and grassblades to eat.

Nene sings a melodious rhythmic song that touches the heart and reaches into the ancestor’s world. 

Gratitude for Nene reminding us of the perfection of nature, inspired the creation of Baby Nene as the Aumakua (guardian spirit) of  Menehune girl Ipu. 

Ipu (Gourd)

Birthdate: 'Aukake 29, 2015 (8-29-15)

“E Alae!”

(Arise!)

Ipu’s prayers invoke inspiration, protection and wisdom.

In harmony to the sacred beat of the Ipu (gourd), Menehune girl Ipu and Baby Nene (Hawaiian Goose) sing a melodious rhythmic song that touches the heart and reaches into the ancestor’s world. Ipu and Nene are honoring the Akuas (spirits) of the enchanting, secluded mountains in Kau on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Baby Nene waddles along happily. The Nene Goose enhances the life and spirit of Hawaii. Nene means to cherish. She is Ipu’s Aumakua (guardian spirit) and the two of them are inseparable. 

Ipu and Nene are headed to the sacred Heiau (Altar), where Ipu prays and worships the beauty of Hawaii. 

Ipu includes everybody she loves into her Pules (prayers). She prays for peace, harmony, happiness, and abundance. 

Ipu's Tutu (grandmother) sewed her white dress with a big pink Puakenikeni flower in the front She crocheted pink panties and matching shoes and wove a Lauhala sunhat.
Tutu wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha into Ipu's Maile Lei. Maile represents spiritual strength, unity and love. Last Tutu adorned the dress and Ipu's hair with the fragrant, pink Puakenikeni flowers. Ipu is named after the Hawaiian Ipus which grow on a vine. Ipu's Tutu picked the most beautiful one for her beloved Mo'opuna (Granddaughter). She cleaned, polished and decorated it with a crystal. It was her sacred gift of Aloha (Love) to Ipu and became her most treasured possession.

Ipu is about 4” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. Nene is about 1” tall. The bodies are made out of stretch cotton and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Ipu has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All of Ipu’s and Nene’s accessories were individually handcrafted.

Ipu and Nene are one of a kind collectible display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls.
They come with their story and a certificate of authenticity.

Ipu’s Mana attunes us to the spirit of Hawaii.

www.Etsy.com