Pele
As a young apprentice of her Uncle, Lono Mākua, Pele was given the task to keep the fire which
brings forth lava burning. Accidentally, she set her village home in Tahiti ablaze. In fear of her
older sister, Namakaokaha’i, the keeper of the sea… Pele flees to save her mortal soul. More
importantly, to save the fire entrusted to her by her uncle. She gathered some of her brothers and
sisters, and together they embarked upon their long voyage in search of a new home.
Pele & Namaka
Pele’s eldest sister, Namakaokaha’i, returns home to find nothing but embers. Enraged, Namaka tracks Pele down.
From woman to deity
It was upon the island of Maui that the sisters met for their final battle. There, Pele met her demise. As Namaka receded, she looked to the island of Hawaii and in the eastern sky, she saw a fiery glow. One that she recognized as her sister. Seeing that Peleʻs soul had reached Kīlauea, she realized that Pele was now her equal. Therein, Namaka returned to Tahiti. The lava that flowed forth created new land and the keeper of this sacred fire remains to be, Pele.
Kamehameha
There was a child born in the middle of a stormy night, under Haileyʻs Comet. He was destined to fulfill the prophecy of becoming the chief that would unite all the islands of Hawaii. This Chief was Kamehameha.
Maori ( New Zealand)
Our ancestors can trace our lineage throughout Polynesia; as kept through language, stories and bloodlines. Some of our closest Polynesian relatives, come from the land of the Long White Cloud. These beautiful and fierce people come from Aotearoa, now known as New Zealand. To honor their protocol, we share the Haka, a war cry, while displaying the protrusion of the tongue and widening of the eyes. Each of these are points of intimidation and done to induce fear.
Samoa
The people of Samoa also migrated to Hawaii. Upon the Northern shores of our island, there is a section of land named after their homeland in Samoa. A place called Upolu. This connection continues to remind us of our unique history. With them they brought dances of their daily life. Reminiscing on the time when mosquitos invaded Samoa as they dance the Faʻataupati, or their Ocean voyage with the Sasa.
Siva Nifo ʻOti (Samoan Fire Knife)
The Siva nifo oti, known today as the Samoan fire knife, is used to strengthen their skills for war. It wasnʻt until the introduction of metal, that the knife was lit on fire. Today, for the people of Hawaii, and those who have made the voyage to their new homeland— Pele is alive and well. We can see the glow in the eastern skies and feel the heat beneath our feet. We know that Pele continues to yield and protect ʻOahi….the fire within.
