Editing Hina (goddess) (section)

=== Legends of Hina and Māui ===
Many stories about the goddess Hina, especially in connection with the moon, can be found in chapter 15 (“Hina Myths”) of [[Martha Warren Beckwith|Martha Beckwith]]’s ''Hawaiian Mythology''.<ref>Beckwith, pp. 214-25</ref>

The legendary birth of Hina's son, Māui, is described as a supernatural conception after Hina wore a red loincloth she found on the ocean shore. After birth, Hina wrapped locks of her hair around her infant son and set him on a bed of [[Sargassum|limu kala]] supported by jellyfish in the sea. Māui then traveled to Kuaihelani where he acquired his famous powers. Legend says when he returned, Māui performed incredible acts such as [[Māui (mythology)&action=edit&section=4#Māui slows the sun|slowing the sun]] to make the days longer for Hina's work.<ref name=":2" />

The story of Hina and her ascent to the moon can be found within the stories of many Polynesian groups, including those of Samoa, New Zealand, Tonga, Hervey Islands, Fate Islands, Nauru, and other Pacific Island groups <ref name=":0" /> such as the Maluku Islands in Melanesia. There is debate over which Hina the story refers to but certain stories suggest this legend is about Hina the wife of a chief called Aikanaka rather than to Hina the wife of Akalana, the father of Māui.<ref name=":0" />