A visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the opportunity to witness the world’s most active volcano is an experience that will bring you full circle to the beginnings of the Hawaiian Islands. While those who visit the volcano are thrilled to discover the natural sites that have been created through many years of activity, there are many who are not aware of the significance of the legend that exists within the volcano. The legend of Madam Pele has been told countless times throughout history, and before you depart on your tour to the volcano, it is important to understand the folklore of Mt. Kilauea.
The Legend
According to Hawaiian mythology, Madam Pele resides within Mt. Kilauea, the volcano on Hawaii Island (commonly known as Big Island), and is the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire. Born in Tahiti to Haumea and Kane Milohai, she was exiled by her father because of her temper. With her brothers in a great canoe, Pele sailed from Tahiti in search of their home, soon finding Hawaii. Throughout their journey, Pele battled with her sister, Namakaokahai, a Sea Goddess, resulting in a fight on the island of Kauai, during which Namakaokahai left Pele for dead. Pele fled the island, taking refuge on Oahu where she dug fire pits with her O’o (Hawaiian digging stick), creating the crater that would become Diamond Head near Waikiki Beach. Eventually, Pele dug Haleakala on the Big Island, before her sister realized that Pele was still alive, and found her on Maui, where a great battle ensued near Hana. Pele lost this battle, and as a result of her death, became a goddess, making her home on Mauna Kea, and digging her final fire pit at the summit of Kilauea.
Pele is said to be responsible for many events surrounding the volcano, and her presence is often felt while at one of the many extinct lava flows and attractions inside the national park. There may not be a more talked about deity than Pele, and she has been known to bring bad luck to those who disgrace her home.
Big Island Volcano Tours
Often, visitors to the volcano do not heed the warnings of Tours Guides and Park Rangers, and will remove lava rocks from Kilauea and Hawaii volcanoes National Park, disrupting Pele’s home and angering the Goddess. Shipments arrive daily to Hawaii Post Offices, asking to return the lava rocks to the volcano because a string of bad luck has arisen since a vacation has ended, and the rocks were taken. We highly advise to leave the lava rocks where they are, and remember your trip to Hawaii through pictures and memories.
The experience at Hawaii’s most active volcano is something that is difficult to put into words. There is a feeling of serenity and being secluded from the outside world while being transported back to the beginnings of the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii Discount features a number of thrilling Volcano Tours for your vacation, including Inter-Island Tours from Oahu that include airfare to the Big Island. Don’t miss out on your chance to see pay respect to Pele, and visit Hawaii’s most active volcano during your trip to the Islands.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Hawaii tours and activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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