Menehune: The Oompa-Loompas of Hawaii
Friday, November 10, 2006
I can already hear the tiny Menehune voices protesting the comparison to Wonka’s uncomely little helpers. In fairness, I should clarify that the menehune are smaller, shapelier, and much better looking than the ompaloompas— nouveau or original. In fact, it is said that the menehune were miniature hotties that enticed many a full- sized Hawaiian native into an interracial union. How’s that for confidence?
Listen: Menehune love to dive from cliffs; if you hear splashing in the ocean, late at night, keep your eyes peeled— you just might spot one of these mischievous menes at play.
Word: Kolohe (Hawaiian), Naughty (English)
“I love kolohe menehune boys. They’re so hot!” Overheard being said by the village’s prettiest and most popular menehune girl to her best friend; while their dads toiled— one night— building yet another heiau.
Sweeter than haupia: Johnny Depp. Take him out of his Wonka-wear, outfit him in a vintage aloha shirt and a pair of slippas, and he could pass for a beautiful hapa-haole Hawaiian boy.
Eat: Menehunes favorite guilty pleasure— shrimp. One of the best places— on the island of Oahu or anywhere for that matter— to get your fill of these tasty little crustaceans is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck on the North Shore. Scrumpdillyicious!
Read: Tutu Nene: The Hawaiian Mother Goose by Debra Ryll
A book for keiki (little kids) that gives props in one rhyme to Hawaii’s little people.
Ohana: A kissing-cousin of the Menehune is the leprechaun.
Hmmm, could that how those beautiful Dublin boys acquired their dark beauty? A traveling menehune hangin’ on the Emerald Isle with his Eire cuz?
Visit: Puu O Mahuka Heiau
Check out the menehune handiwork at this sacrificial heiau (temple) on the North Shore of Oahu.
The menehune, expert stonemasons, exclusively rocked the midnight shift— fuled by ‘ono grinds (yummy food) and rockin’ tunes— and hammered away on each project for a single night. If the sun began to rise before their work was complete, it was left unfinished.
Note: In spite of the sweeping picture-perfect view of Waimea Bay and seemingly romantic splendor at Puu O Mahuka , it must be remembered that this is a sacred site and needs to be treated as such. No need to anger the Hawaiian Gods!
Aloha!
Blue Girl
posted by Blue Girl @ 3:15 PM,
