Hiheʻe “The Sideways-Running Tippy-Toeing Hawaiian Crab” In old Hawaiʻi like today children loved going to the beach. They played games in the surf while their parents gathered gifts from the sand like shells and coral. Sometimes the children would dig deep holes in the sand and imitate the crabs running sideways and jumping into the holes to hide. It was a fun game like tag. The sand crabs—crouching in their hiding places with their antennae-like eyes watching this game—must have thought it looked pretty funny. Hawaiians understood the special qualities of all the island creatures. The crab with his ability to camouflage himself in the sand and escape danger was revered for his unique survival skills. She will show you many games to play at the beach. Hiheʻe means “sideways” in the Hawaiian language.