Tradition / Region: Polynesia (Hawaiian, Māori, and other Polynesian peoples)
Alternate Names: —
Category: Demon / supernatural being
The Myth
Atua are supernatural beings known in the traditional beliefs of the Polynesian world. Among Hawaiians, Māori, and other Polynesian peoples, atua are regarded as powerful entities that exist beyond the human realm.
They are described as deities or demons, feared and revered alike, whose presence influences the natural world and human life. Atua may dwell in specific places, manifest through natural forces, or act invisibly, shaping events according to their will.
Through tradition, atua are remembered as ever-present supernatural beings, forming a vital part of Polynesian cosmology and belief.