Hawaiian religion is polytheistic, believing in many deities, and is also animistic in that it is based on a belief that spirits are found in non-human beings and objects such as animals, the waves, and the sky. Ancient hawaiians believed in many demigods or deities. Examples of Hawaiian demigods include:
- Kanaloa - God of the Ocean
- Lono - God of Peace and Prosperity, Wind and Rain, Lord of the Sun
- Pele - Goddess of the Volcano
Pu'uloa is the Hawaiian name for the area of Oahu that is now called Pearl Harbor. The guardian sharks (or demigods) of Pu'uloa were Ka’ahupahau and her brother Kahi’uka. The legend says that Ka'ahupahau established the law “that no shark must bite or attempt to eat a person in O’ahu waters” in ancient times. This should make all modern day swimmers/surfers feel safe entering Oahu's beautiful blue ocean waters....
Pu'uloa was also called "Wai Momi" meaning "Water of Pearl" by Hawaiians because of the pearl oysters that were onced harvested there. Pu'uloa is the largest natural harbor on the island of Oahu.