Maui the Hawaiian Superman



My dad and I on the beach in Maui in 1979.





I was barely two the first time my family visited Hawai'i. My dad had lived there as a boy and again when he was in the army and had finally convinced my mom to give it a try. Our family was hooked instantly.

We went to Maui that year. Maui is the second most popular island for tourists with O'ahu being the first.  It's also the number one honeymoon destination. And it has much to offer weary travelers like amazing swimming beaches, upscale resorts, amazing golf courses (not that I golf), the Haleakala crater, Iao Needle and of course my personal favorite, The Road to Hana and the Seven Sacred Pools.

Personally, I don't like the island except for Hana, but the legend is pretty interesting.

Maui was the youngest son and horribly hated by his brothers. See, Maui's father was never known yet his mother adored and favored him above her other sons. So of course, they became jealous of him, beat and rejected him. They were fishermen but refused to let him fish with them, so he snuck into their boat and surprised them out at sea.  They still wouldn't let him fish so he broke his nose, put the blood on a hook and caught the biggest fish of all. Maui eventually earned admiration of his brothers by capturing the sun so his mother's kapa (Hawiian tapestries/cloths) would dry out and unlocking the secret of fire  so future generations could have light and warmth.

If you've read the Old Testament, the Legend of Maui should sound familiar. There are many similiarities to the story of Joseph. Joseph too was the favored child, was hated by his brothers and cruelly treated by them. Maui was said to have "magical" powers while Joseph had the God-given gift of dream interpretation. Joseph's gift empowered him to change his status and eventually spare his family from famine while Maui's "magical" feats made his mother's work easier and provided for future generations.

Of course, Maui is just a legend while Joseph really lived, but it's interesting nonetheless. Listen to this fun Iz song about Maui. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHaMgCbO8PI