May 22, 20232 min read

'Ohi'a-Lehua!

Updated: Dec 1, 2024

The Ohia tree is adorned by this Lehua flower. ~ Ophihikao Lehua ~ 2011

A Girl, a Boy, and a Goddess

Long, long ago on the island of Hawai’i, there lived a beautiful girl named Lehua. With a heart full of kindness, face and form so beautiful, all who knew her loved her. She was cherished by a young warrior Ōhi’a. Legs thick and strong like forest trees, and a heart full of bravery and kindness.

The volcano goddess Pele fell in love with the handsome ‘Ōhi‘a, but his heart belonged to Lehua. Enraged when refused by ‘Ōhi‘a, Pele stamped her feet creating a fiery ring around the couple. As the lava began to ooze near ‘Ōhi‘a held Lehua tightly lifting her above the lava as it began to cover his feet. As the lava covered ‘Ōhi‘a more, he lifted Lehua higher onto her shoulders.

All the while Pele was enacting her revenge, the ‘apapane bird who loved Lehua came to her aid with help from the forest spirits. These spirits attempted to help the young lovers as best they could. The spirit folks began to change ‘Ōhi‘a’s legs into wood, his skin to bark, and arms became branches. Lehua’s hair billowing in the hot wind that blew across the lava.

Sparks carried by the wind landed in her hair, looking like red and gold blossoms. Suddenly, the girl was gone, replaced by the flame colored flowers which bear her name and are held tenderly by ‘Ōhi‘a allowing the lovers to never be separated from each other.

Little ‘apapane continues to visit his beloved Lehua, and even today can be seen sweetly kissing her as she rests in ‘Ōhi‘a’s leafy arms.

The ʻŌhiʻa Lehua is a remarkable plant with deep cultural significance in Hawaiian tradition. Here are some key aspects of its importance:

Symbol of Strength and Resilience: The ʻōhiʻa lehua is often the first plant to grow on new lava flows, symbolizing resilience and the ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
Connection to Hawaiian Deities: The plant is closely associated with Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, and her lover, the demigod ʻŌhiʻa. The lehua flower is said to represent their eternal bond.
Cultural Practices: The lehua flowers are used in traditional Hawaiian lei-making, celebrating life events such as births, weddings, and other significant occasions.
Ecological Importance: The ʻōhiʻa lehua plays a crucial role in Hawaii's ecosystems, providing habitat and food for native birds and insects.
Conservation Efforts: Due to threats like the rapid ʻōhiʻa death disease, efforts are underway to protect and conserve this vital plant species.