This is the first in a series of paintings depicting ancient Hawaiian myths and legends. This painting recounts the tale of the demi-god Maui and his epic battle to ensnare the sun atop the summit of the volcano Heleakala.

In very ancient times the sun god would come up from the underworld and run across the sky. This caused problems for mankind as the sun was mercilessly hot and yet traveled too quickly to properly dry the kapa cloth for the Hawaiian’s clothing. With the help of his mother Hina and his grandmother Mahuie, Maui was determined to punish the sun for being so thoughtless about the needs of mankind. Maui’s Mother, Hina made him strong rope fibers and sent Maui to visit his Grandmother atop Mount Haleakala. Mahuie gave Maui a magic stone axe and created a mystical rope to ensnare the sun.

As the sun began stepping over the summit of Haleakala, Maui would snare its legs, breaking them off one by one. Down to its last leg, the Sun tried to flee but Maui threatened to kill the sun with his magic axe. The sun begged for its life and Maui spoke with the sun and both agreed that there should be longer days. Yet half the time the sun might go quickly as in the winter time, but the other half he must move slowly as in summer. Thus men dwelling on the earth should be blessed