In Polynesian mythology, Hi'iaka is a daughter of Haumea and Kane. She was the patron goddess of Hawaii and the hula dancers, and lived in a sacred grove where she spent her days dancing with the forest spirits. She is also called Hiiaka or Hi'iaka i ka poli o Pele. Hi'iaka was conceived in Tahiti, but carried in the form of an egg to Hawaii by Pele, who kept the egg in her arm pit to incubate it. Hi'iaka is Pele's favorite sister, although they have also had their differences.

At one point in time, Pele left her body to appear at a festival on Kau'ai where she fell in love with a young chief named Lohiau . Upon her return, she longed for him and decided to send a messenger to bring him to her. Hi'iaka volunteered to go on the dangerous journey, as long as Pele would protect her sacred grove and friends. Hi'iaka's journey was filled with many adventures, but she reached Kau'ai to find that the young chief had died from longing for Pele. She was able to revive him, but was late in returning. Pele, fearing that Hi'iaka had betrayed her and was keeping the chief for herself, became enraged and destroyed the sacred grove. Hi'iaka saw this, and for revenge, embraced the chief. In retaliation, Pele sent waves of lava at the couple. Hi'iaka was unharmed, but the chief was killed.