The Hawaiian gecko has earned a great reputation for itself, in Hawaiian folklore and as a common household creature of the tropics. The gecko is a mirror-like image of Hawaiian legend's ancient mythical creature, the mo'o – one of the oldest and most powerful spirit guardians and protectors. It was believed that the great mo'o used the body of the gecko as one of its many manifestations. Mortals did not harm or eat their living representatives, and their wisdom came through in visions and dreams.