PELE AND THE DELUGE
Once upon a time, in the enchanting land of Hawaii, there lived a powerful goddess named Pele. She was the daughter of Kahinalii and Kanehoalani, and she had two brothers, Kamohoalii and Kahuilaokalani. Pele was born in a distant place called Hapakuela, a mystical land at the edge of the sky in the southwest. She lived there with her family until she grew up, fell in love with a man named Wahialoa, and had two children: a daughter named Laka and a son named Menehune.
One day, Pele felt a strong urge to explore new lands. Her parents, recognizing her adventurous spirit, gifted her the sea to accompany her on her journey. Imagine sailing across the vast ocean, feeling the waves beneath you and the wind in your hair! That’s exactly what Pele did.
As she sailed, she traveled to a place called Pakuela and then onward to Kanaloa. As she journeyed, she poured forth the sea from her head, creating waves that surged around her. Her brothers were so inspired by her journey that they composed a famous chant about the sea:
O the sea, the great sea!
Forth bursts the sea:
Behold, it bursts on Kanaloa!
But then, something extraordinary happened. The waters of the sea began to rise higher and higher until only the tallest mountains—Haleakala, Maunakea, and Maunaloa—were visible above the water. Everything else was submerged! It was a massive flood, and it was all because of Pele’s powerful presence.
Eventually, the sea calmed down and settled into its current level. This incredible event became known as the Kai a Kahinalii, or the Sea of Kahinalii. It was named after Pele’s mother, Kahinalii, who had given her the sea as a gift. Pele had brought it to Hawaii, and it became a part of her legacy.
After the flood, Pele and her family decided to leave their old home in Hapakuela and start anew in Hawaii-nei. Pele was the first to arrive, and her family followed her later.
When she first arrived in Hawaii-nei, Pele settled on the island of Kauai. But her journey didn’t end there. She soon traveled to Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai, where she lived in a crater called Kauhako. Then, she moved to a place called Puulaina near Lahainaluna, where she dug out another crater.
Finally, she settled at Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii, where she has remained ever since. Imagine living in a place where the earth breathes fire and creates new land! That’s the magic of Pele.
And so, the story of Pele and the deluge comes to an end. It’s a tale of adventure, family, and the incredible power of nature. Pele’s journey reminds us that change can lead to new beginnings and that we all have the strength to carve our own paths in life. So, as you reflect on this story, think about your own adventures and the journeys that await you.
Carissa O'Connell
Avid explorer of all things related to Hawaiiana, Polynesian, and Asian culture
