Passions of Pele: The Hawaiian Goddess of Fire
Kilauea, one of earth’s most active volcanoes located on the island of Hawaii, is believed to be inhabited by a family of gods. One member of the family has become the most visible of all the old gods and goddesses of Hawaii. Her name is Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, wind and volcanoes as well as the creator of the Hawaiian Islands. She lives in the fire pit called Halemaumau crater, at the summit caldera of Kilauea. Although Pele governs Kilauea and is responsible for controlling its lava flows, her domain encompasses all volcanic activity on the Big Island of Hawaii. As a sign of respect, she is often referred to as ‘Madame Pele’ or ‘Tutu Pele’ and her epithets include Pele honua mea (Pele of the sacred land) and Ka wahine ʻai honua (The earth-eating woman).
Pele by David Howard Hitchcock, circa 1929. (Public Domain)
Mai Kahiki ka wahine, o Pele,
Mai ka aina i Pola-pola,
Mai ka punohu ula a Kane,
Mai ke ao lalapa i ka lani,
5 Mai ka opua lapa i Kahiki.
