As you all know, Pele is the Hawaiian Volcano Goddess – and one not to be messed with. There are many Native Hawaiian legends regarding Pele but perhaps the most interesting is about the offering that one must give to Pele in order to visit her home on the relentless Kilauea volcano. Pele is known as Ka wahine 'ai honua, the woman who devours the Earth, which gives a sense of her destructive power. With the extreme lava flow in recent years, many look to Pele for protection.
Legend has it that you must leave an offering or gift to Pele in order to keep her happy and protect your home and family from her unpredictable destructive wrath of lava. According to ancient legends, Pele is often seen in human form as an older woman with long flowy white hair. If you see her it is imperative that you greet her with the utmost aloha and offer to help her, even if she declines. To get on her good side, it is said that you must visit her at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater with food and gifts of all sorts.
Pele will protect you as long as you protect her and show appreciation for all she has overcome. Whether you are a local or a visitor, the power of Pele does not hold back and it’s important to pay respect, especially when you visit her home. In order to truly please Pele – aloha is the way to go!