Printable Coloring Pages
Polynesian Folklore and Mythology Coloring Pages
Polynesian folklore is filled with stories of brave heroes, clever tricksters, and powerful spirits who have guided, challenged, and inspired generations. From daring adventurers to mystical creatures, these tales show how courage, cleverness, and respect for the natural world can help people navigate life’s challenges. Many stories come from specific islands and cultures, such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and Aotearoa (New Zealand), while others traveled across the vast Pacific Ocean through oral tradition.
These coloring pages let you explore that rich world visually, meeting gods, demigods, spirits, and legendary humans while learning the lessons and wonders woven into each tale.
Maui is a bold and clever demigod known across Polynesia for his daring feats and playful tricks. He wields a magical fishhook that can lift islands from the sea, catch enormous fish, or even snare the sun. Stories tell of him slowing the sun to give humans more daylight, capturing fire for villages, and using his shape-shifting powers to take on animals or other forms. Maui is famous for his creativity, daring adventures, and the surprising ways he changes the world around him.
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The Menehune are tiny, magical people from Hawaiian folklore, famous for their incredible building skills and cleverness. They are said to live deep in forests and hidden valleys, coming out mostly at night to construct fishponds, temples, and bridges with amazing speed. Despite their small size, they can complete huge projects in a single night, disappearing before anyone can see them. Some stories say they play tricks on humans who stumble into their villages, while others describe them helping those who show respect. Menehune are known for their secretive nature, their skill with tools, and the surprising ways they shape the world around them.
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Pele is the powerful goddess of volcanoes and lightning, whose presence can create both destruction and new land. She travels across the Hawaiian islands, shaping the earth with flowing lava and fiery eruptions. Stories show her passionate nature, her quick temper, and the awe-inspiring forces she commands. Pele is known for her beauty, her magic, and her role in creating the islands and transforming the landscape with her volcanic energy.
Tāwhirimātea is the god of winds and storms in Polynesian mythology, controlling rain, thunder, and the movement of clouds. He is often described as fierce and unpredictable, with the power to stir hurricanes or gentle breezes alike. Stories tell of him protecting the balance of the natural world, challenging other gods, and demonstrating the strength and variety of the weather. Tāwhirimātea is known for his swirling winds, sudden storms, and the vital role he plays in shaping the islands and skies.
Kamohoaliʻi
Kamohoaliʻi is the shark god of Hawaiian mythology, known for guiding sailors safely through the ocean. He can appear as a giant shark or sometimes in human form, using his sharp senses to detect danger and help those who are lost at sea. Stories describe him rescuing voyagers, swimming alongside canoes, and offering warnings when storms or hidden reefs threaten. Kamohoaliʻi is famous for his speed, keen perception, and close connection to the ocean and its creatures.
Polynesian folklore and mythology are a rich tapestry of adventure, imagination, and wisdom. These stories mix larger-than-life myths about gods, demigods, and creation with folkloric tales of clever heroes, spirits, and everyday lessons. Characters like Maui, Pele, and Tāwhirimātea show that bravery, cleverness, and respect for nature are powerful tools for navigating both epic challenges and ordinary life.
While many of these stories began on specific islands—Hawai‘i, Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa, and others—they spread across the Pacific through oral tradition, adapting to new communities while preserving their core lessons. Today, they continue to inspire, entertain, and teach, offering insight into human creativity, courage, and the deep connections between people and the natural world.
By exploring this collection, you encounter both the mythic and the folkloric: the sacred and the playful, the grand and the personal. These stories demonstrate how imagination and storytelling connect generations, cultures, and islands across the vast Pacific, showing that myths and folklore are not separate, but two sides of the same magical, living tradition.