Oahu Folklore - Mānoa Valley and the Menehune

Monday, March 13th 2023

One popular folklore about Oahu is the legend of Mānoa Valley and the Menehune, who were believed to be a race of small, magical people who lived in Hawaii before the arrival of the Polynesians.

According to the legend, the Menehune were known for their exceptional craftsmanship and engineering skills, and they were said to have built many of the ancient structures in Hawaii, including fishponds, irrigation systems, and heiaus (sacred sites).

The story goes that the Menehune once lived in Mānoa Valley, which is a lush valley located in the heart of Honolulu. They were known for their mischievous behavior, and they would often play tricks on the local people, such as moving stones and tools during the night.

Despite their small size, the Menehune were said to be very powerful and could move large rocks and trees with ease. However, as the population of the Hawaiian islands grew and more people arrived, the Menehune were said to have retreated into the forests and mountains, where they continue to live to this day.

Today, the legend of the Menehune remains an important part of Hawaiian folklore, and many people believe that they still exist and can be seen in the forests and valleys of Hawaii.