Maui, Mischievous Hero

Ma¯ ui is a mythic figure known throughout Polynesia who lifts up the heavens, and fishes up islands from beneath the sea with his magic fishhook; a folk hero that snares the sun to make it move more slowly and shares the secret of making fire. Ma¯ ui is the mischief maker, benefactor, worker of miracles. As a demigod he used his supernatural power to benefit his people; but he also loved to play pranks. Ma¯ ui is well loved for his mixture of human and godlike qualities. Stories of Ma¯ ui have been passed on for countless generations, spread far and wide due to the great seafaring prowess of voyagers sailing across the vast area of Moananuiakea, the Pacific Ocean. In Hawaiian folklore he is known for slowing the sun to help his mother, Hina, have time for her kapa to dry. He pulls the Hawaiian Islands from the sea and rescues
Hina from the vicious mo‘o Kuna. His exploits are vast and varied; the best known among them are The Seven Great Deeds of Ma¯ ui, which are collected and retold here.