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Many legends were told of Hanauma Bay. Legends were often expressed in the form of traditional songs, chants and dance. One love story recants the tale of two very powerful ali‘i or chiefs. They were both experts in the sport of uma or handwrestling. This sport tested the strength of the participants by locking hands and forcing the opponent to the ground.

Ali‘i Kk (blood) and Ali‘i Hana (work, act) both fell deeply in love with the most beautiful maiden in Hawai‘i, Keohinani. Her father was the guardian of Hanauma Bay, Keanamo‘o, the great lizard. Her hand in marriage was to be decided by a contest of strength and perseverance to determine their nobility. All day the two men struggled to prove their greatness yet each was equally strong. As the twilight began to fall the score remained even in match after match.

Keohinani loved both men and it pained her to see their suffering and loss of dignity. As the contest continued she climbed to the top of the crater. As she climbed, ascending closer to the gods she called to the akua. "Transform me into a hill so the pain and suffering will be over". Instantly, she was transformed into part of the crater, to the hill today called "fair mountain", Kohelepelepe, where the modern day radar station stands. Her unselfish deed allowed her suitors to gaze with awe upon her beauty and innocence forever.

Her father, deeply moved and pleased by his daughter’s humble act of kindness transformed himself into the crater rim above her that encircles Hanauma Bay. These two inter-twined ridges remind us today of the locked arms of the sport of uma that gave rise to the crater rims of Hanauma Bay.

Tags:  legends dance uma handwrestling tested strength participants