How many stories of the Hawaiian Islands have you heard? If you are a culture lover, you may be curious to know what makes Hawaiian culture so rich. --> hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode51 <--
In this episode, Bryan is joined with Andrew Fowers of Shaka Guide to discuss three important stories of goddess Pele.
Pele, also known as the goddess of fire, can be quick to anger and a jealous lover. In the three stories, we are about to hear, it’s hard to ignore Pele’s anger. A silver lining about Pele is that she has a conscience, too.
In the first story of how the Kilauea volcano came to be, Pele got jealous of her little sister Hiiaka. Pele sent her sister to find her lover Ohia and bring him to her. Pele gave Hiiaka a deadline of 40 days. Hiiaka failed to meet the deadline. She came back after the deadline had elapsed, but she brought Ohia with her. Pele’s angry got the best of her and destroyed Hiika’s forest. When Hiiaka saw that, she too got angry and embraced Ohia in Pele’s presence. Pele got upset and buried Ohia beneath rapid hot lava.
--> hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode51 <--
The second story is about the curse of Pele. According to Hawaiian culture, what belongs to Pele must remain in Hawaii. Many people who visit Hawaii usually get tempted to take away lava rocks or sand as souvenirs. Unfortunately, many of them end up mailing them back because of the many bad things they encounter. Could it be the curse of Pele?
The third story is about the relationship between Pele and the Ohia Lehua tree. This story is evidence enough that Pele is not always bad. When lava erupts, it is usually black and barren. Amazing enough, there is one tree that can withstand that, the Ohia Lehua tree.
This tree is said to close its leaves and pore for it to survive the harsh conditions. The Ohia Lehua tree has beautiful red flowers that some native Hawaiian birds feed on. It is believed that after Pele calmed down, she turned Ohia’s body into the tree and Lehau’s body into its flowers. She did that to join the lovers together forever.
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About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert and the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel. He helps first-time and repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations with clear, practical advice and authentic cultural insight.
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This Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity and confidence. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, and local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and beyond.
Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)
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Talk Story (w/ permission)
