Hi’iaka is best known as volcano goddess Pelé's little sister but she is a powerful goddess in her own right. Hi’iaka is a brilliant magician capable of detecting and deflecting virtually all magical tricks, surprises, and dangers. She is a benevolent spirit who helps people, offering warnings in times of danger. Devotees seek her protection against all forms of harm. Hi’iaka is a healer and botanist with such profound knowledge of plants that she was allegedly able to use them to return the dead to life. She is invoked for miracle cures.

Hi’iaka, daughter of Haumea and Kane, was conceived in Polynesia. Pelé transported her to Hawaii, carrying Hi’iaka carefully in the form of an egg. Her full name is Hi iaka-i-ka-poli-o-Pele, “Hi’iaka Cradled in Pelé's Bosom.” Hi’iaka was Pelé's favourite sister. (An alternative myth suggests that Hi’iaka is really Pelé's secret child.)

Pelé treated Hi’iaka as her most trusted servant, but eventually Hi’iaka asserted her independence. Hi’iaka is the presiding goddess of the Hawaiian Islands and among the spirits presiding over hula.

ORIGIN:

Polynesia

MANIFESTATION:

A beautiful, graceful dancer

COLOUR:

Red

Sacred plants:

‘Ohi’a lehua tree (Metrosideros macropus); pala’a or lace fern (Sphenomeria chinensis)

SEE ALSO:

• Haumea
• Kane
• Kapo
• Laka
• Pelé

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.