InHawaiian mythology,Nāmaka (orNā-maka-o-Kahaʻi, the eyes of Kahaʻi) appears as a sea goddess in the Pele family. She is an older sister ofPele-honua-mea.[1][a]
She is the daughter ofKu-waha-ilo andHaumea, whose other children are Pele, theHiʻiaka sisters, the Kama brothers, and the birdHalulu. Nāmaka takes as her husbandʻAukelenuiaʻīkū, who had arrived in Lalakeenuiakane or inKahiki (Tahiti), but he later becomes the husband of her sister Pele, and because of this Pele, the Hiʻiaka sisters, Malulani, andKaʻōhelo migrate to Hawaii. When Pele quarrels with her powerful sister Nāmaka , Nāmaka sends tidal waves to destroy Pele's lands and homes. Helped by her family, Pele fights Nāmaka, but Nāmaka defeats her.[2][3]
InThrum'sKane-huna-moku myth, Nāmaka is called the chiefess of the Mu andMenehune people when they are summoned to build the watercourse forKikiaola atWaimea on Kauaʻi.[4]
When Pele causes a conflagration by staying too close to the fire godLono-makua, Nāmaka drives her away[5] Another legend mentions that Nāmaka's guardian dog, Moela is reduced to ashes when he touchesʻAukele.[6]
Namaka, the smaller moon of the dwarf planetHaumea, is named after the goddess.
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