3 Times Pele, the Volcano Goddess, Made An Appearance in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi Island, where Pele calls home.
The volcano goddess Pelehonuamea, also referred to as Pele, was born in Kahiki. One day, she accidentally generated an untouchable flow of lava that ultimately wiped out her older sister’s home, who was Namakaokahaʻi, the water goddess. This mistake and other issues created rivalry and disputes amongst the sisters.
Namakaokahaʻi produced a devastating tidal wave over Kahiki, which caused Pele to flee with her younger sister, Hiʻiakaikapolipele, to Hawaiʻi. She visited the main Hawaiian Island chain we recognized today as Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi, and eventually called Hawaiʻi Island her home for the time being. Today, whenever there is an eruption we know it is the activity and presence of Pele.
*Please note that this is a very basic summary of Pele’s story and there is an infinite amount of moʻolelo (stories, history) of her life.*
