The History of Hawai‘i From Our Files: Secret Worshipping of Pele
The history of Hawai‘i from our files.
January 28, 2021
A lava fountain at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō erupted for 23 hours on March 13, 1985. Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
In 1990, the lava from Kīlauea took its most destructive path since the eruption in 1983. The town of Kalapana was destroyed and HONOLULU named Pele the Islander of the Year. The 1991 article also took a look at why some families were forced into hiding their practice of honoring the goddess.
“Pele lives. She smolders inside the red-hot chambers of volcanic craters. She flows in the lava that pours from heaving vents. She animates the steam that seethes below the surface of the land. To find her, go to Kalapana, where homes are being overrun by her streams of fire. The people will tell you: Pele is here. Go to Wao Kele O Puna, where her steam is being harnessed for energy. They’ll tell you: Pele is here. Go to Kilauea