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Sharks: Myth and Mystery
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Pacific Islands: Dance honors the shark god Kamohoali'i

Both feared and revered, shark gods were once worshipped by Pacific Islanders. Though most Islanders don't worship these gods today, they do honor ancient teachings and traditions in stories and performances—like hula dances.
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Dance honors the shark god Kamohoali’i
Hula dancers

Hula dancers tell the story of Kamohoali’i, a legendary shark god. He guided the canoe that brought his sister—the fire goddess Pele—and her volcanoes to Hawaii.
Watch the Dancers (includes audio)
Read the Story

Family Activities

Create a Shark Story
Read the story of Kamohoali'i. Then create your own story or legend about sharks and people. Act out your story in a dance using props and homemade instruments.
Read the story of Kamohoali'i

More Shark Activities


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Whitetip Reef Shark (©Andy Sallmon)
Read more shark-watching tips.

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