Papahānaumoku

In the religion and mythology of the ancient Hawaiians, Papahānaumoku (pronunciation: [papahaːnaʊmoku])[1] — often simply called Papa — is a goddess and the Earth Mother.

Papa is still worshipped by some Hawaiians, especially by women, as a primordial force of creation who has the power to give life and to heal.

When Hoʻohokukalani gave birth to a stillborn baby, it was Papa who named the child Haloa and buried him in the soft earth; from that place sprung the first taro.

A womenʻs temple, called Hale o Papa, is the primary religious structure associated with the worship of this goddess.

Hale o Papa are often built in connection with luakini, or "men's temples" (places of "official" ceremony, which are primarily dedicated to the gods Kū and Lono), although it is believed by many practitioners that they may also exist independently.