Shark Trivia

Did You Know that there are many Shark gods in Hawaiian folklore….

.….including many who were considered to be the guardians, or sometimes foes, of the oceans? Some of these were:

Kamohoali'i: king of the shark gods and the most respected guardian of the Hawaiian islands; known for ability to take both human form and a variety of different sea creatures to help people.

Ka'ahupahau: born as a human with beautiful red hair; transformed into a shark goddess and dedicated her life to protecting people from shark attacks.

Kane'apua: trickster brother of Kamohoali'i and Pele who performed tricks and feats to entertain people.

Keali'ikau 'o Ka'u: hero of the great shark war; cousin of Kamohoali'i and Pele; protector of the Ka’u people; fell in love with a human and gave birth to a green shark that would help people trapped at sea.

Kauhuhu: the shark god of Molokai who was protected by two ancient Hawaiian dragons; devoured any man that tried to enter his cave.

Kuhaimoana: massive shark god believed to be almost 55 meters long; protected the Ka’ula islet and ensured fisherman had a bountiful catch.

Kane-i-kokala: saviour of shipwreck victims.

Kepanilā and Mikalolou: evil shark gods who hunted together and had powers of their own; lost in the great shark war against Kūhaimoana.

Ukupanipo: shark god who played a big role in the success (or failure) of anglers on the water.