Pele's Journey from Kahiki to Hawaii
Pele, the volcano goddess, was born in Tahiti (Kahiki) to Haumea and Kane Milohai. Banished by her father because of her fierce temper, Pele sailed with her brothers in a great canoe across the Pacific. She dug fire pits at each island she visited, creating Diamond Head on Oahu and Haleakala on Maui. On Maui, her sister Namakaokahai (the sea goddess) attacked her with massive waves. Pele was torn apart, but her spirit fled to the Big Island where she dug the deep pit of Kilauea. There she established her permanent home at Halemaumau Crater, goddess of volcanoes whose fiery breath shapes the Ha