Discover how Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire, helped create the Hawaiian Island chain. 

Introduction to Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess

Now, as we're getting closer to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, we're nearing the home of Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, and volcanoes. Hawaiians believe that the island's volcanoes are all Pele's handiwork. Since we'll be in Pele's domain today, let me tell you a little bit about this goddess who is both to be feared and admired.

According to ancient legends, Pele descended from the great spirits of Hikapoloa. She came from a family where each sibling had a role to play in shaping the earth. Her many brothers were each named after a destructive force in nature, you know, like thunder, explosions, rain of fire, and lava fountains.

Pele's Attributes and Form

So you can see where Pele gets her fiery temperament. It kind of runs in the family. Pele is often described as a very beautiful woman when she takes human form, but she also has the ability to take on other forms, like fire and lava.

Pele's Role in Creating the Hawaiian Islands

In Hawaiian legends, Pele is both flirtatious and jealous. So with her hot temper, believe me, you do not want to get on her bad side. Now, it's believed that Pele's power to control volcanoes is what created the islands of Hawai'i.

As the story goes, Pele's older sister, Namaka, was angry with her because, well, she had seduced her husband. Because of this, Pele was driven from her home on Kauai and chased by her older sister. And every time Pele plunged her digging stick into the earth to begin building a new home, her sister, Namaka, the goddess of the ocean, would flood the pits.

And this is how the islands of Oahu and Maui were formed, with each attempt being stopped by Namaka. Finally, Pele landed on the island of Hawai'i or the Big Island. The volcano goddess came to the summit of Kilauea, far from the ocean. 

Sacredness of Pele's Home and Respectful Behavior

And here, she dug a deep pit in the Halema'uma'u crater and finally made her home. And this is where she is believed to reside to this very day. In fact, this place is still considered to be sacred to many native Hawaiians.

And you may even see someone paying their respects to Pele while you're here. If so, please be respectful and quiet. And in that silence, take a little time to soak in the sights and sounds of this awe-inspiring place.

Want to learn more about Pele and Hawaii's many legends? Check out our Big Island Tour Bundle!