My sistah was an amazing tour guide and showed me this wonderful sight. An amazing day with amazing Ohana. God bless 🙏 (AJT) (QM)

Born of Fire, Born of the Sea

“Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,681 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site

PELE:

Pele is the Hawaiian volcano deity, an elemental force, and the creator of these volcanic landscapes. According to tradition, she is embodied by the lava and natural forces associated with volcanic eruptions.

Oral history says that Pele was born in the distant land of Kahiki and voyaged to the Hawaiian Islands in search of a suitable home. Various accounts place this journey some time between 850 and 1250 AD. She migrated southeast through the islands, eventually arriving at her permanent home in Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. From Halemaʻumaʻu, Pele dwells and governs the boundaries of Puna and Kaʻū.

Ancient Hawaiian oli (chants) tell the kuleana (function) of Pele – creating new land, but also destroying what was once there. She is both destructive and creative in nature. Names like Pelehonuamea (Pele of the red earth) and Peleʻaihonua (Pele the eater of the land) themselves are forms of historic accounts that describe her volcanic energy and movement. Her unpredictable and volatile nature has been visible throughout the centuries in the form of glowing lava lakes, earth-shaking fountains, and incandescent ribbons of fiery lava flowing down Kīlauea.

For many Hawaiians, Pele is considered ʻohana (family) and is revered. She is an ʻaumakua (family or deified ancestor) for some people of the districts of Puna and Kaʻū on the island of Hawaiʻi. Her presence can be felt by those who visit her volcanic domain and lives within the hearts and minds of those who experience her power. The presence of Pelehonuamea is not necessarily approached with fear, but with respect. When you visit Kīlauea, remember to do so respectfully. In Hawaiian tradition, it is customary to ask permission from Pele to travel through her land and this sacred landscape.

People of the Islands

Superb voyagers, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands were the first to settle Hawaiʻi. Estimated dates of arrival vary widely, ranging from 1700 to 800 years ago. However, the most recent carbon-dating estimates place arrival and settlement in the islands between 1000 to 1200 AD.

Navigating by the sun and stars, reading the winds, currents, and the flight of seabirds, Polynesians sailed across 2,400 miles of open ocean in great double-hulled canoes. They brought with them items essential to their survival: puaʻa (pigs), ʻilio (dogs), and moa (chickens); the roots of kalo (taro) and ʻuala (sweet potato); the seeds and saplings of niu (coconut), mai`a (banana), ko (sugar cane), and other edible and medicinal plants. Polynesians were well-established on the islands when Polynesians from the Society Islands arrived in Hawaiʻi. Claiming descent from the greatest gods, they became the new rulers of Hawaiʻi. After a time of voyaging back and forth between the Society Islands and the Hawaiian Archipelago, contact with southern Polynesia ceased. During the 400 years of isolation that followed, a unique Hawaiian culture developed.

Hawaiʻi was a highly stratified society with strictly maintained castes. The aliʻi (chiefs) headed the social pyramid and ruled over the land. Highly regarded and sometimes feared, the kahuna (professionals) were experts on religious ritual or specialists in canoe-building, herbal medicine, and healing. The maka`ainana (commoners) farmed and fished; built walls, houses, and fishponds; and paid taxes to the paramount chiefs and his chiefs. Kauwa, the lowest class, were outcasts or slaves.”

Ref: https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/historyculture/native-hawaiians.htm

Google Maps:

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
(808) 985-6000
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hh7NUKKfBHpzMzs86

This wrapped up this short trip. I will return shortly to visit my Ohana, break bread and tell stories and take some more amazing pictures. A special thank you to my Sistah Sarah, Sistah Allison, Brother Bronson, Auntie Princess and her family, and Grandma Sharon. My family made this trip! Much Love, forever and always Ohana ❤️

Dr. Anthony John Toledo