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Pele: Goddess of Hawaiis Volcanoes
Myths, legends, romances and folktales of the most fascinating goddess of old Hawaii. Pele lives in Hawaiian hearts and minds as the personification of volcanic majesty and power. Having the power to create new land, she has a volcanic personality - an impetuous, lusty nature, jealous, unpredictable, capable of sudden fury and great violence. Yet she can also be gentle, loving and as serene as her forests of ferns and flowering trees.
71 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 19, 2018
A short book with plenty of history and amazing art!
July 1, 2013
I purchased this for research purposes, as I wanted to learn more about Pele beyond the Wikipedia entry. (It's frustrating and amusing how online searches for Pele are bogged down by results on the soccer star.)
It's a short book at 64 pages, but really quite excellent as a resource. It focuses on tales of Pele going back to the creation myth of Polynesia and how she came to Hawaii as her people did. Pele's interactions with her siblings and the people of Hawaii echo other world mythologies--it often comes down to love triangles, seduction, jealousy, and subsequent explosions of lava. More modern tellings of Pele are fascinating, though, from the defiance of the Christian Princess Kapi'olani to 20th century sightings of an old woman in peculiar settings. Even the author had an odd experience regarding a painting of his. This tales have the vibe of a ghost story; the logic of the situation is presented, but there's still a lingering question about what really happened.
Kane's paintings are featured throughout the book and really add extra depth. He does fabulous work.
It's a short book at 64 pages, but really quite excellent as a resource. It focuses on tales of Pele going back to the creation myth of Polynesia and how she came to Hawaii as her people did. Pele's interactions with her siblings and the people of Hawaii echo other world mythologies--it often comes down to love triangles, seduction, jealousy, and subsequent explosions of lava. More modern tellings of Pele are fascinating, though, from the defiance of the Christian Princess Kapi'olani to 20th century sightings of an old woman in peculiar settings. Even the author had an odd experience regarding a painting of his. This tales have the vibe of a ghost story; the logic of the situation is presented, but there's still a lingering question about what really happened.
Kane's paintings are featured throughout the book and really add extra depth. He does fabulous work.
December 6, 2016
This has been sitting on my shelves six whole years, and I finally got around to reading it. Wish I had sooner! I loved Kane's Ancient Hawaii, and this is just as dear. It was more than I expected--with a mix of folklore, historical documentation, and personal experience, this collection gives readers a unique sense of the goddess. \m/ Uncle Herb.
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July 30, 2014
Wow. This is a beautifully illustrated book showcasing the artwork of Herb Kawainui Kane and the pantheon of Hawaiian deities. The deity most prominently featured and which the book is largely dedicated to is Pele, goddess of Hawaii's volcanoes.
Herb goes into the mythology of Hawaiian gods and goddesses as well as the folklore and local legends of Pele's mysterious and alleged appearances on Hawaii before major catastrophic earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.
The artist himself even had a mysterious encounter with a silent Hawaiian elderly woman (or Tutu) observing him paint a mural at Punalu'u (a beautiful black sand beach I once visited myself in 2006), which was followed by even a more bizarre set of circumstances involving voices he heard coming from the painting itself and a series of earthquakes which culminated in the artist racing to the scene to see what had happened to his work.
Reading the stories really brought back Hawaii for me. It's a beautiful place rich with culture and history, heritage and spirituality. I bought this book at a gift shop in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and have only come to actually read the book now, nearly 4 years later.
I enjoyed it and find it to be a unique book that touches the spirit of Hawaii itself.
Herb goes into the mythology of Hawaiian gods and goddesses as well as the folklore and local legends of Pele's mysterious and alleged appearances on Hawaii before major catastrophic earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.
The artist himself even had a mysterious encounter with a silent Hawaiian elderly woman (or Tutu) observing him paint a mural at Punalu'u (a beautiful black sand beach I once visited myself in 2006), which was followed by even a more bizarre set of circumstances involving voices he heard coming from the painting itself and a series of earthquakes which culminated in the artist racing to the scene to see what had happened to his work.
Reading the stories really brought back Hawaii for me. It's a beautiful place rich with culture and history, heritage and spirituality. I bought this book at a gift shop in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and have only come to actually read the book now, nearly 4 years later.
I enjoyed it and find it to be a unique book that touches the spirit of Hawaii itself.
May 13, 2017
This book was above and beyond FANTASTIC!
My son's father is Hawaiian and I wanted so much to feel part of the magic flowing in his veins and in our son.
I'm very familiar toward Pele and I hold much reverence and respect for her and the stories intrigue me.
This author lives and breathes his work, not just the writings but the artwork inside. They have life! He brought all the old tellings into being I actually saw these things in my mind.
Goosebumps! I have actual goosebumps and I shared many of the readings with my mother. She too felt the strength in the words.
I can't wait to one day visit this sacred place and now this book acts as a door to my knowledge.
I am so glad that I bought this book it was worth every single penny and to me it's a classic. I'm proud to have it on my shelf!
Mahaloh to the Author for such a beautiful masterpiece!
My son's father is Hawaiian and I wanted so much to feel part of the magic flowing in his veins and in our son.
I'm very familiar toward Pele and I hold much reverence and respect for her and the stories intrigue me.
This author lives and breathes his work, not just the writings but the artwork inside. They have life! He brought all the old tellings into being I actually saw these things in my mind.
Goosebumps! I have actual goosebumps and I shared many of the readings with my mother. She too felt the strength in the words.
I can't wait to one day visit this sacred place and now this book acts as a door to my knowledge.
I am so glad that I bought this book it was worth every single penny and to me it's a classic. I'm proud to have it on my shelf!
Mahaloh to the Author for such a beautiful masterpiece!
September 21, 2025
I wanted a book about Hawaiian mythology and this was the perfect introduction. It is short, straightforward and contains many absolutely gorgeous paintings. I just finished watching Chief of Wars and could see some of the inspiration it took from the painter. The book tells the story of Pele from many different sides. I think I will refer back to this book often because it is very clear.
November 15, 2018
Written for children but also enjoyable for adults, this book is filled with many lovely artworks depicting Pele, and tells the tale of the legend, myth, romance, and folk tales of Pele, the Goddess of Hawaii's volcanoes.
April 21, 2019
This book provides a mix of legend, historical accounts, urban legends, and personal experiences related to the Hawaiian goddess Pele. The stories, especially the personal ones, are fun to read. The art is painted by the author, and it very beautiful.
July 18, 2025
This is an excellent, brief introduction not just to Pele but also to both geological science and Hawai'ian legends. I have a personal connection to Pele and I'm grateful for the gift of this book, and I'm grateful to have received it while visiting Hawai'i.
November 8, 2021
The legend of Pele appealed to me and the artwork is beautiful.
January 6, 2022
Very nice stories of the folk lore surrounding pele. Quick easy book. Enjoyable.
July 9, 2018
Great intro to the famous goddess.
If all of the press headlines about Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has peaked your interest, this primer on the Goddess behind it may be what you’re looking for.
It’s one half a retelling of myth surrounding Tutu Pele, and one half with a more recent history of Western settlers, volcanic activity on the Big Island, and some eye-witness sightings of the Goddess herself (plus beautiful artwork throughout).
It was written in the late 80s, so it’s missing recent events, but is still worth the quick read if — like me — you find yourself pulled toward this mysterious force.
If all of the press headlines about Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has peaked your interest, this primer on the Goddess behind it may be what you’re looking for.
It’s one half a retelling of myth surrounding Tutu Pele, and one half with a more recent history of Western settlers, volcanic activity on the Big Island, and some eye-witness sightings of the Goddess herself (plus beautiful artwork throughout).
It was written in the late 80s, so it’s missing recent events, but is still worth the quick read if — like me — you find yourself pulled toward this mysterious force.
July 24, 2020
I picked this up last year (2019) on a family trip to Hawaii. We made a stop at one of the museums, and they had this in the gift shop. It reminded me of a similar book I read when I was in intermediate school about Greek mythology, so I thought this would be a good way to get acquainted with some of the myths and Hawaiian gods. I was surprised to find the book actually contained quite a bit of history of the islands, including history of when the islands were settled and outsiders' perceptions of the myths, as well as some of the myths themselves. It was a great read to get some background and learn a little more about the place we visited. I would recommend this to anyone who likes mythology or wants to learn more about Hawaiian culture before or after visiting the islands.
June 26, 2019
A lovely book on Hawaiian folklore and the traditions of the volcano goddess Pele. The book features a brief history of the islands, geological and cultural, and insight into how Pele fits into the pantheon. It details the folklore of the goddess and how it’s morphed into modern folk tales that persist today. My favorite part of this book was undoubtably the beautiful paintings created by the author honoring native Hawaiian culture and religion.
January 15, 2018
I love stories about Pele. I love her islands, I love her people. I love the illustrations in this charming book.
We’ll go visit Hawaii again this summer. Undoubtedly we’ll see Pele in the fire, smoke, passion and beauty of her home.
We’ll go visit Hawaii again this summer. Undoubtedly we’ll see Pele in the fire, smoke, passion and beauty of her home.
August 14, 2025
Great images and details all about Pele, family, romance, her legend and similiar things that all relate to pele, nothing too much for it is only focused around Pele. With hawaian language and poetry.
January 13, 2018
Fast read and must if you are into Hawaiian myths and folklore stories. A different view on tales about Pele from the most popular known ones.
August 1, 2019
Love the rich history presented here.
August 24, 2019
From the artwork to the Polynesian creationist myths to the geological exemplars, I really loved this book. I will never be able to look at a volcano the same way.
July 24, 2021
Beautiful illustrations and lovely insight into some of the Hawaiian Folk Lore.
April 10, 2024
The stories may have gotten a bit disjointed, but I enjoyed that I got a mix of myth and context, and the art was excellent. I just went to Kilauea today, and this book is a great accompaniment.
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April 25, 2024Very fun to read after my visit to a lot of the places mentioned in this book and learning more about the goddess Pele.
July 30, 2024
Hawaii lore and history of Pele, goddess of Hawaii’s volcanos.
October 16, 2024
Pele the og homewrecker
November 26, 2025
I don’t think I’ll ever travel to Hawaii, but this book definitely took me there. It is filled with beautiful art and stories of this volcanic goddess.
June 30, 2012
Loved the paintings--their colors, their movement. Have seen some of them at Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii and at the Kamehameha Hotel in Kona. The Hawaiian myths surrounding Pele are similar to those of Greek and Norse myth, but Kane explains Hawaiians believed "everything (including the gods) was . . .of Nature, an organic universe in which every thing and every person had its integral place within the whole." I especially like his personal stories of unusual things that happened to him as he was creating one of his murals late at night and also the curse on lava rocks taken off the island. Very talented man!
August 17, 2010
Again, another fascinating book on Hawaiian myth. This focused on Pele the volcano goddess. It discusses the National Park and folktales as late as the 1970s when people claim to see Pele walk and talk among them. It is a simple overview, but with all the material being somewhat new to me, I rank this an excellent book. I thought about going to grad school in Hawaii.
September 5, 2016
Beautiful artwork, revealing stories, and superb explanations. The reader leaves this book completely aware of who or what Pele is and represents. I really enjoyed this book post-Hawaii travels. Even though I didn't visit the Big Island, which is where Pele resides, I really sensed the deep roots and influence she/it has on the culture. Very easy to read and understand.
September 3, 2007
This is a fantastic book about Pele, goddess of the volcano, written by local legend Herb Kane. Don't visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park without a copy!
September 26, 2014
A fun collection of myths, history, and stories. I enjoyed the writing and the beautiful artwork. Reminded me of our honeymoon in HI, where we bought this little gem.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews