The Menehune Builders

Posted: 10.29.2025 | Updated: 10.18.2025

In the misty valleys and emerald mountains of ancient Hawaii, an old legend echoes through the ages: the Menehune Builders. They are said to be the islands’ first inhabitants. These small, mysterious beings were master builders who worked under the cover of night, crafting temples, fishponds, and roads with supernatural skill.

Hidden deep within the forests, the Menehune were believed to be neither entirely human nor spirit. They were a secretive race that vanished with every dawn. Yet their legacy endures, etched into Hawaii’s landscapes and folklore. This is the story of the Menehune: a timeless legend of mystery, magic, and the unseen hands that shaped the paradise we know today.

The Hawaiian Islands are full of myths, folklore, and urban legends. Keep reading to learn more about the Menehune. And when you’re ready for something a little darker, book a ghost tour with Honolulu Haunts!

Who are the Menehune Builders?

If you’ve ever wondered who built some of the old stone structures scattered across the Hawaiian landscape, you’re not alone. Historians have their own theories about how ancient peoples may have constructed these elaborate buildings. But many locals believe it was a race of tiny, magical beings called the Menehune.

The Menehune Builders are part of a larger collection of legends that are very unique to Hawaii. From inspirational creation myths to terrifying ghost stories, the islands have it all!

Myth and Folklore of the Menehune

Hawaii has a rich history of moʻolelo (roughly translated: “a series of spoken stories”). These are the narratives that make up the vast canon of Hawaiian mythology and folklore. For thousands of years, moʻolelo was an oral tradition. Stories were passed down through many generations in the form of campfire tales, songs and chanting, poetry, and hula dancing.

One of the most famous legends from Hawaii is that of the Menehune Builders. These mysterious figures have become part of the fabric of Hawaiian society. But where did they come from?

Origin Stories

Any narrative that begins as an oral tradition will change over time. Different storytellers put their own spin on the tale, whether intentional or accidental. The Menehune legend is no exception; several theories exist regarding their origin.

• Some sources say they are the descendants of the original settlers of Hawaii, a mysterious race called Mu. They arrived before the Polynesians and were later absorbed or driven away by them.
• Others say they are not natural beings at all, belonging instead to the realm of the gods and spirits.
• A third theory suggests they are aliens from another world or interdimensional travelers who visit Hawaii from time to time.

Characteristics

What are the Menehune like? This is one area where the stories typically agree.

• The Menehune Builders are known as little people… very little. Most accounts put them around two feet tall, though some have said they can be as small as six inches. Perhaps they can change their size (see below).
• They are also very shy and elusive. In fact, they avoid human contact whenever they can, preferring to work when people are not around. Some Builders have abandoned their work altogether in an attempt to flee from incoming humans.
• Most folklorists also agree that the Menehune have magical abilities. These usually include the power to fly, disappear, and shape-shift. Supernatural strength may also explain how such small beings are capable of building such immense structures.

The Legend Endures

The existence of the Menehune has long sparked debate among scholars, historians, and storytellers. Some believe these small, elusive beings were inspired by real people (perhaps the islands’ earliest settlers). Meanwhile, others say they are purely mythical, born from ancient Hawaiian folklore. Whatever the truth, the legends of the Menehune have endured for centuries, woven into the lush landscapes and quiet valleys of Hawaii.

As new civilizations arrived — the Polynesians and later the Europeans — the islands changed. The old ways began to fade, and the tales of the Menehune drifted into legend. Some say the Menehune, saddened by the transformations around them, retreated deep into the forests, hidden from human eyes. Others whisper that they vanished altogether, their time on earth complete.

Yet, even now, residents of Kauai claim to glimpse small figures darting through the trees or hear faint laughter echoing from the valleys at night. Evidence of their handiwork, many believe, still remains in the islands’ mysterious ancient structures.

The Menehune as Master Builders

According to numerous myths and legends, the Menehune constructed some of Hawaii’s most iconic stone buildings, including:

• The Alekoko Fishpond, near Lihue on Kauai, is said to have been built in a single night by 400 Menehune forming a 25-mile human chain.
• There are also the Necker Island Structures, sacred stone shrines on the remote Mokumanamana Island, which are thought to be Menehune worship sites.
• On Oahu stands the Ulupo Heiau, a massive temple platform built from stones said to have been carried from distant lands.

Haunted Honolulu

Whether myth or memory, the Menehune continue to haunt Hawaii’s history. They are the silent architects of an enduring mystery and a fascinating part of Hawaiian mythology. But they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the folklore of the islands.

Many a “chicken skin” ghost story awaits you as well… Want to learn more about Hawaiian legends and visit haunted places in person? Book a ghost tour with Honolulu Haunts today!

Discover authentic hauntings in more than 150 cities! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real Honolulu haunts.

Sources:

• https://fabulahub.com/en/story/the-legend-of-the-menehune/sid-436 
• https://www.jstor.org/stable/4139042
• https://northamericancryptids.com/menehune/
• https://medium.com/@ranakashif55/hawaiian-mythology-folklore-beef326b11d3
• https://www.civilbeat.org/2019/10/denby-fawcett-from-stoneworkers-to-cartoon-characters-oceanias-little-people-tell-the-story-of-hawaii/