Pele (deity)

Pele is born from the union of Haumea (or Papa) and Kane-milo-hai, and she is the sister of the volcano goddess Hiʻiaka, the shark god Kamohoaliʻi, and the goddess of the sea, Nāmaka. According to tradition, Pele was born in the mythical land of Kahiki (Tahiti) and was exiled by her father for her fiery temper, which had caused conflict with her sister Nāmaka. She traveled north in a canoe, guided by her spirit, and eventually reached the Hawaiian Islands, where she sought a home for her fire.¹

Pele's journey across the islands is a central myth. She dug fire pits on each island, but was driven away by Nāmaka, who represented the sea and extinguished her fires. Finally, she found refuge in the crater of Kīlauea on the island of Hawaiʻi, where she remains. Her conflicts with Nāmaka and her love affairs, particularly with the pig god Kamapuaʻa, are well-known. In one story, Pele and Kamapuaʻa fought, and their union produced the island of Kahoʻolawe. Pele is also known for her rivalry with the goddess of the forest, Laka, and for her protection of the hula tradition.²

Pele was traditionally worshipped with offerings of gin, tobacco, and red berries, and her priests (kahuna) conducted rituals to appease her. She is considered the creator of the Hawaiian Islands, and volcanic eruptions are seen as her expressions of joy or anger. Pele is also a patron of hula, and dancers often seek her blessing. In modern times, Pele remains a cultural icon, and many Hawaiians still pay respects to her when visiting volcanic areas. The practice of taking volcanic rocks from Hawaiʻi is considered bad luck, as it is believed to bring Pele's curse.

Pele's name is used in geology for volcanic features: Pele's hair (thin strands of volcanic glass) and Pele's tears (small droplets of lava). These are formed during fountaining eruptions. Additionally, the volcano Pele on the moon Io is named after her, and the Pele plume is a volcanic plume on Io. In 2016, a new mineral, pelelite, was discovered in a lava tube on Kīlauea, named in her honor.³

Beyond the well-known myths, Pele has lesser-known aspects. She is sometimes associated with the 'ōhi'a lehua tree, and in one story, she transforms a woman into a lehua blossom. Pele's sister Hiʻiaka is often depicted as her messenger and companion. Pele is also linked to the concept of 'aumakua (family guardian spirits), and some families claim her as an ancestor. In the 19th century, Christian missionaries tried to suppress her worship, but she has experienced a revival in Hawaiian cultural renaissance. Pele is also a figure in modern literature and art, appearing in works by authors like W. S. Merwin and in the film 'Pele: The Fire Goddess' (2017).⁴

Kahiki

The mythical homeland of the Hawaiian people, often identified with Tahiti.

Hiʻiaka

Pele's younger sister, goddess of hula and the patron of the Hawaiian people.

Kamapuaʻa

The pig god, a lover and rival of Pele.

Pele's hair

Thin strands of volcanic glass formed by the stretching of lava during fountaining eruptions.

Pele's tears

Small droplets of lava that cool into glassy, tear-shaped particles.