While Halloween isn’t necessarily a Hawaiian tradition, there are themes of Halloween that are present in Hawaiian culture. Hawaiian legend is filled with spirits and gods.  Some of that can inspire fear, or weliweli (pronounced: weh-lee-weh-lee) into people. 

As I get ready to leave for Kauai, I think about the different types of Hawaiian gods and lore. The Menehune were supernatural spirit dwarfs, inhabiting the caves and the forests. On Kauai, the legend is that the Menehune created the Kikiaola Ditch as well as the Alekoko Fishpond. These seem like the kinds of spirits I wouldn’t mind seeing.

But there are also the Night Marchers, or the Hukai’po spirits. The Hukai’po are ancient Hawaiian warriors who carry torches and repeat eerie chants. It is said you shouldn’t whistle at night in Hawaii otherwise, you may be inadvertently calling the Hukai’po (which I will not be doing). 

What sparks weliweli into you?

Happy Halloween!

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