Tradition / Region: Hawaiian Mythology, American Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Dwarf, Gnome
The Myth
The Menehune are described as a race of small, dwarf-like people living in the deep forests and hidden valleys of the Hawaiian Islands. They are known as skilled builders and craftsmen who work at night and remain unseen by most humans.
The Menehune are said to have lived in Hawaiʻi before settlers from Polynesia arrived. They dwell far from human settlements, in forests and caves, and sustain themselves on forest plants, bananas, and fish. They are described as being about two feet tall.
They are known for their craftsmanship, building temples, fishponds, roads, canoes, and houses. These works are said to be constructed during the night, and if the work is not completed before dawn, it is left unfinished. They appear only at night, and only their children or humans connected to them are able to see them.
Gallery
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Menehune. In Wikipedia. Retrieved March 1, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menehune.
Interpretive Lenses
Religious Readings
- Christian Ascetic Deep Dive
Philosophical Readings
- Nietzschean Deep Dive
Psychological Readings
- Jungian Deep Dive
Esoteric Deep Dive
- Hermetic Deep Dive
Political / Social Readings
- Marxist Deep Dive
