Where Fire Meets Legend: Discover the Legend of Pele in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips, Guide and Culture Advice for Your Hawaii Vacation

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, host Bryan Murphy is joined by Andrew Fowers from Shaka Guide to delve into the captivating Hawaiian Legend of Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. They discuss the legend's deep cultural significance, its impact on Hawaiian customs, and some interesting stories associated with Pele.
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Bryan and Andrew first explore the story of the 'Curse of Pele,' a tale about the wrath of Pele on those who disrespect her and her possessions by taking rocks or sand from the Hawaiian islands. They emphasize the importance of respecting local customs and the environment when visiting Hawaii, or any culture foreign to oneself.

The conversation shifts to the story of the Ohia Lehua tree. Andrew shares the fascinating legend of how Pele, out of jealousy and love, killed a couple, Ohia and Lehua, and turned them into a tree and its flowers, respectively. They discuss the importance of the Ohia Lehua tree to the Hawaiian ecosystem and its significance in the cultural traditions, as well as the current threat faced by this tree due to a spreading fungus, rapid Ohia death.

Andrew concludes the episode with a brief explanation of how to see lava today, recommending a visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and suggesting the best times and places to observe the magnificent work of Pele. Bryan encourages listeners to check out Shaka Guide's tour for the Volcanoes National Park.

If you want to delve deeper into the rich Hawaiian culture and its captivating legends, be sure to tune in to this enlightening episode!

For more details and to hear more stories about the enchanting world of Hawaii, visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/episode93.

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Music, Ukulele and Chill, by Coby G (used with permission)
Music, Aloha Friday, by Clay D (used with permission)