Hawaii Religion

Prior to contact with the West, the religion of Polynesian Hawaiians was polytheistic. Hawaiians believed that all natural phenomena were controlled by the gods, whose aid and protection they sought through offerings and worship. Particularly in times of trouble, sacrifices—sometimes even human sacrifices—would be made in order to appease the gods and to encourage them to look upon the people with favor. Every home had a kuaaha (altar) where families worshipped their aumaka (guardian deities). Akua (greater gods) were worshipped in more complex ceremonies in heiau (open-air temples), which were presided over by kahuna (priests). Among the akua are: Kane, god of creation; Ku, god of war; Lono, god of peace, fertility, rain, and sports; Kanaloa, god of the ocean; and Pele, goddess of fire, who lives in Kilauea Volcano.

Life in ancient Hawaii was governed by the system of kapu (taboo) meaning literally, “obey or die.” Every aspect of the early Hawaiians’ daily life was regulated by this strict set of rules and customs. Kahuna wielded considerable power and were responsible for enforcing the kapu . Among their other responsibilities were healing, canoe building, and leading the islands’ chiefs in elaborate religious ceremonies carried out in meticulous detail, since the slightest deviation from aha (perfection) would incur the wrath of the gods.

After the death of Kamehameha I around 1820, just before the arrival of missionaries from the West, the congregation of the ancient Hawaiians dissolved. Heiau were destroyed, and the kapu was abolished, making way for the new religion—Christianity—that was soon to arrive. Elements of this earlier belief system persist in Hawaii today, however, and many people, locals and tourists alike, still make offerings to Pele and other deities in attempts to win their favor. The ancient faith bequeathed to today’s Hawaii myths rich in accounts of the deities and today survives chiefly as fascinating folklore.

As one would expect, religion in Hawaii today is as varied as its colorful and diverse population. Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a variety of other beliefs exist peacefully together. Travelers will have no difficulty finding services to meet their spiritual needs, regardless of their faith. For more reading on religion in Hawaii, see Additional Resources.