Menehune
Faithful readers already know that people in many ancient cultures believed that dwarves (and “hunchbacks”) had apotropaic properties that could divert the evil eye.
We’ll now extend this exploration to the South Pacific, where a mythical (?) population of prehistoric Polynesian dwarf people, called Menehune, are said to have lived (although archaeological evidence of their existence is disputed).
The Menehune were said to be skilled craftspeople who built boats, irrigation ditches and fish ponds on the Hawaiian islands. They were mostly nocturnal and generally didn’t reveal themselves to the other islanders. For this reason, they are a little like elves — small beings that work through the night performing good deeds for the benefit of humans. FWIW - a Menehune was reportedly seen at Waimea School In 1929.
Folklore also ascribes some supernatural properties to the Menehune, and many Hawaiians believe that Menehune bring good luck and good fortune to those who see them. If we were doing old-school SAT prep, the question would be:
“Menehune are to Hawaiians as _____________ are to the Irish.”
(Answer: “Leprechauns”)
For this reason, a variety of “good luck charms” depicting Menehune have been sold to Hawaiian tourists for decades.
Menehune figurines would promise good luck and happiness. Notice the distinctive hand gesture.
A (painted) gold Menehune figurine from Coco Joe’s in Hawaii, House of Good Fortune Collection.
The Royal Hawaiian Mint issued a souvenir coin depicting Menehune, and the accompanying material stated:
“This coin, from the Menehune’s lucky Calabash of Gold, is a unique souvenir of Hawaii. A Hawaiian Menehune is good luck to anyone who sees him. He is Elf-Like, about 2 feet tall, good natured, and works under cover of night for the good of others. Legend says he lives in a banana-leaf hut and eats pineapple and sugar cane. The inscription He Pomaikai I Ulia Wale means ‘Good Luck to You’ in Hawaiian. The Menehune’s favorite flower, the Hibiscus, and his friends, the dolphins, are shown on the coin.
Lucky Menehune Money, a limited edition coin issued by the Royal Hawaiian Mint and characterized as “A Piece of Hawaiian Luck”
Trader Vic’s
Trader Vic’s, a Polynesian restaurant chain, used a caricatured version of Menehune as a garnish for a drink they called “Menehune Juice.” According to the menu, “One sip and you may see a Menehune!” You can still buy Menehune salt and pepper shakers on Trader Vic’s website today.
Female and Male Menehune
Scorpion Bowl depicting Menehune
Trader Vic’s Menehune Juice Cocktail
Trader Vic’s Menehune swizzle stick, House of Good Fortune Collection.