A Legendary Tradition of Kamapua'a, the Hawaiian Pig-God

Kamapuaa, the Hawaiian pig god, can change his body at will. One moment he is a virile youth, tempting various women; in the next, he is a giant boar, ruthlessly devouring his enemies, defiant of all authority. Powerful, mischievous, charming, and audacious, Kamapuaa suffers no retribution and acknowledges no responsibilities.


For centuries Hawaiians have passed down the tale of the Hawaiian pig god from one generation to the next. Here, Lilikala Kameeleihiwa presents an insightful, thoroughly annotated translation of "He Moolelo Kaao o Kamapuaa," a version of the Kamapuaa epic that appeared anonymously in the Hawaiian-langauge newspaper Ka Leo o ka Lahui in 1891. She identifies its strong sexual themes and the timing of its publication--just before the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy--as an expression of Hawaiian rebellion against increasing western dominance. Kameeleihiwa's translation offers valuable insight into nineteenth-century Hawaiian culture, as well as that of ancient times.