In Hawaii there is a common tree in the forest called the Ohia tree, which is important in Hawaiian culture. It bears beautiful flowers called Lehua blossoms. There is a legend associated with Ohia tree and it's blossoms. During a recent tour some of the passengers remarked how beautiful a blossom was on this old gnarly tree. Our guide then explained the following legend:.
The Legend of Ohia and Lehua
One day Madam Pele, the goddess of the volcano, met a handsome young man named Ohia. She desired to have him as her sweetheart. He confessed that he already was in love with another young girl, Lehua. This enraged Pele and she used her magical powers to transform the young man into the ugly Ohia tree. Lehua was terribly sad and pleaded with Pele to return the young man back to his human form. Pele refused so Lehua begged the gods to help her to be reunited with Ohia. Instead of changing Ohia back to a human, the gods transformed Lehua into a lovely red blossom to adorn the Ohia tree. Now when anyone picks a Lehua blossom, it will rain because the lovers have been separated.
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