Myths and Legends of Pele
 
 
Pele is from the island of Kahiki. She moved to Hawai‘i with her brother, Kamohoali‘i, and many of her sisters, known as the Hi‘iaka sisters, including Hi‘iakaikapoliopele, meaning “Hi‘iaka in the bosom of Pele.” Her uncle, Lonomakua, taught her how to keep, use, and control fire, but she could not create it, however, since culture dictated that women were not allowed to do so at the time. She traveled to Hawai‘i to escape the wrath of her sister, Nämakaokaha‘i, who had the power to control water. But Nämakaokaha‘i followed her and the two battled savagely until Pele was destroyed on the island of Maui at a place known as Näiwiopele, or “The Bones of Pele.” Because of her power, Pele’s spirit lived on and she became the fire goddess of Hawai‘i, choosing Kïlauea as her home. On occasion, she travels to Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, coaxing the fires within the mountains. Pele’s wrath can still be experienced today as Kïlauea erupts and spreads its fiery contents across the island.
Images: Left--©Herb Kawainui Kane
              Top Middle--© G. Brad Lewis; Bottom Middle--© G. Brad Lewis; Right--© G. Brad Lewis
Overview of the Hawaiian Fire Goddess