One of My Favorite Hawaiian Legends ʻŌhiʻa & Lehua
Ever wonder about the story behind this beautiful plant? It’s called the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua. It’s not a common plant here on O’ahu. It is normally seen on our Big Island “Hawai’i.” A little break from genealogy for a quick Hawaiian legend about two lovers and their encounter with the Goddess Pele. There are many versions of this legend of love and jealousy, but this is almost like the version I heard as a child growing up. (See below for link to full write up on this version of this legend.) “According to the legend, Ohia was a strong, handsome young man; a natural athlete who excelled at every sport. It was love at first sight when Ohia first gazed upon the gentle, young Lehua, known throughout the island for her true beauty. After being introduced by Lehua’s father at a village dance, the two had eyes only for each other and soon settled into a blissful life together. Pele, the fire goddess, decided one day to walk through the forest near where the happy couple made thei