Unfortunately, the name Menehune developed a life of its own in the popular imagination, primarily through commodity culture.

Like the leprechauns in Ireland, both groups who had/have knowledge of how to effectively practice indigeneity were turned into cute and relatively harmless beings who do Las Vegas-type magic.

This is another example of how the powerful belittle and denigrate those they rule over with the help of words and images.

see more examples

Sources:

Jim Bartels. August 22, 1998. Presentation to Ala Wai Watershed Association.

Pali Jae Lee and Loko Willis. 1986. Tales From the Night Rainbow – based on the oral history told by Kaili'ohe Kame'ekua of Kamalo, Moloka'i 1816-1931.