Based on Pukui's and Green's work, edited by Martha Beckwith, published in "Hawaiian stories and wise sayings" (1923), "Folk-tales from Hawaii" (1928), and "The legend of Kawelo and other Hawaiian folk tales" (1936). In English and Hawaiian, with explanatory notes.

When the storytellers of ancient Hawaii gathered by the light of candlenut torches, they told tales that explained the world around them. These tales described how the gods created the earth and its life, how the stars were created, and why the days are longer in summer. Other stories recounted the pranks of Kamapuaa the Pig-Man, the origin of the tapa tree, the death of the monster reptile mo-o, and the home of the volcano goddess, Pele. From this rich body of mythology, author Vivian Thompson has drawn twelve myths. She retells them with the true flavor and simplicity of the storytellers of long ago. Thompson's words are accompanied by the illustrations of Hawaii artist Marilyn Kahalewai, who has captured the delight and drama of the ancient tales.

Ku and Hina—man and woman—were the great ancestral gods of heaven and earth for the ancient Hawaiians. They were life's fruitfulness and all the generations of mankind, both those who are to come and those already born. The Hawaiian gods were like great chiefs from far lands who visited among the people, entering their daily lives sometimes as humans or animals, sometimes taking residence in a stone or wooden idol. As years passed, the families of gods grew and included the trickster Maui, who snared the sun, and fiery Pele of the volcano. Ancient Hawaiians lived by the animistic philosophy that assigned living souls to animals, trees, stones, stars, and clouds, as well as to humans. Religion and mythology were interwoven in Hawaiian culture; and local legends and genealogies were preserved in song, chant, and narrative. Martha Beckwith was the first scholar to chart a path through the hundreds of books, articles, and little-known manuscripts that recorded the oral narratives of the Hawaiian people. Her book has become a classic work of folklore and ethnology, and the definitive treatment of Hawaiian mythology. With an introduction by Katherine Luomala.

Maui and Hina -- Pele and her family -- Ghosts and ghost-gods -- Myths and legends of old Oahu -- A longer tale: The bride from the underworld.

1923 edition of a collection of Hawaiian folk tales compiled by Thomas G. Thrum. The forward in this book is a new addition from earlier versions. Thrum explains that this volume is the fourth edition and has a number of studies and special translations that are not available in other editions (1907, 1912, 1917, 1921, 1978, and 1998).

In this cumulative rhyme in the style of "The House That Jack Built," a family celebrates Hawaii and its culture while serving poi at a luau.

A collection of legends of the various Hawaiian Islands.

In this Hawaiian folk tale, Punia tricks the King of Sharks, the guardian of the lobster cave; three times he brings home fresh lobster for dinner. But each time Punia succeeds, the King of Sharks gets angrier. Will the shark take revenge on Punia, or will Punia's clever tricks make him the hero of his whole village?

Volume one gives an indepth discussion of major Hawaiian culture concepts, providing insights into both their ancient and modern significances and volume two traces the ancient Hawaiian social customs practices and beliefs from birth to old age.