Hema (mythology)

In Polynesian mythology, Hema is the father of Tawhaki and Karihi by Urutonga. He is a son of Waitiri and Kai Tangata. (Note: in Hawaiian mythology, Hema is a son of Mahina.)

Hema was killed by the Ponaturi, and Tawhaki, Karihi and Urutonga killed them all but two in revenge. They tricked the Ponaturi into entering a house, and then locked them in, claiming there was still time before the dawn. They then opened the door after the sun was up, the Ponaturi died at the exposure to sunlight. The survivors were Tonga-Hiti and Kanae.