The legend of ʻŌhiʻa Lehua

In the heart of Hawaiian folklore lies a tale as old as time, weaving together themes of love, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit. This cherished legend centers around the ʻŌhiʻa Lehua tree, an iconic symbol of the Hawaiian Islands, and the enduring bond between two star-crossed lovers.

According to ancient Hawaiian mythology, ʻŌhiʻa was a handsome and strong young warrior, deeply devoted to his beloved Lehua. Their love was pure and unwavering, drawing envy from Pele, the fiery volcanic goddess. Consumed by jealousy, Pele approached ʻŌhiʻa and demanded that he profess his love for her instead. However, her advances were firmly rejected. Enraged by this, Pele unleashed her fury, surrounding the lovers with a ring of fire, threatening to consume them in her wrath.

With unwavering devotion, ʻŌhiʻa lifted Lehua high above the flames, shielding her from harm. Yet, despite their valiant efforts, they found themselves trapped within the fiery inferno. It was then that the forest spirits and the ʻapapane bird, enchanted by Lehua's beauty, intervened to save the doomed lovers. 

In a moment of divine intervention, the forest spirits transformed ʻŌhiʻa into a mighty ʻōhiʻa tree, with his legs becoming roots firmly planted in the earth and his skin turning to bark. Hot winds blew sparks through Lehua's hair when suddenly she emerged as a fiery red flower nestled in the tree of her lover, never to be separated from him.

And so, the legend of ʻŌhiʻa Lehua lives on, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the sacrifices made in its name. The ʻŌhiʻa Lehua tree, with its resilient nature and vibrant blooms, stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between soulmates.

At Maui Divers Jewelry, we pay hommage to this timeless legend through our exquisite ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Collection. Each piece is crafted with precision and care, capturing the essence of Hawaiian tradition and the spirit of Aloha. A symbol of passion, resilience, and everlasting love. From delicate earrings adorned with Lehua blossoms to bold pendants reminiscent of the sturdy ʻŌhiʻa tree, our collection celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands and honors the enduring legacy of love.