Hana, Maui (Hawaii) - Maui Legends

Wai-'anapanapa Caves

The Hawiian meaning for Wai-'anapanapa is "glistening waters." The serenity and solitude of the caves, and its "glistening clear waters" appear to give the illusion of safety. The serenity was once broken in ancient times by King Ka'akea when he brutally murdered his wife. His wife, Popu-'alaea, was a beautiful woman who had grown to hate the King's constrictive lifestyle. One day she fled, hoping to find refuge in the caves of Wai-'anapanapa. The King was furious. He searched relentlessly through the hills and valleys surrounding the Hana area.

One day while searching along the coastline, he decided to refresh himself in the cool water of the caves. As he peered into the clear glistening waters, he noticed a reflection of his wife. She had been hiding in a secret cavern in the back of the cave. Overcome by anger, he brutally murdered her.

Every year during spring, millions of red shrimp appear in the cave. The glistening waters of Wai-'anapanapa are said to turn red as testimony to the tragic event.

Noenoe Ua Kea O Hana

Hana's scenic beauty was first discovered by Maui, the mischievous Demi-god whose favorite scene was watching the gray misty rain roll off the ocean and sprinkle Hana Bay with rainbows. When Maui's daughter was born he named her after his favorite vision, Noenoe Ua Kea O Hana, which means the misty, light rain of Hana.

Noenoe loved the ocean and spent a lot of her time there. One day she met a young man named Ka'uiki, an adopted son of the menehunes. He was protected by the menehunes because they thought of him as a gift from Kanaloa, the sea god. As their eyes met, Ka'uiki and Noenoe fell instantly in love. They both knew they could never have a future together because Ka'uiki would one day have to return to the sea.

Noenoe pleaded with her father to use his magical powers to keep them together forever. Maui knew he would lose his daughter, but was torn by the pain in Noenoe's eyes.

He reluctantly turned Ka'uiki into a high hill overlooking Hana bay and Noenoe into the misty rain, her name sake. Maui knew he could always watch Noenoe Ua Kea O Hana with a smile knowing his daughter would live happily ever after.

To this day the Noenoe Ua Kea O Hana can be seen coming off the ocean to gently surround and embrace Ka'uiki Hill.