Pele and Hiiaka: A Myth From Hawaii

by Nathaniel Bright Emerson

Awa that’s been lifted to heaven,

An off’ring for goddess Hiiaka,

A growth of the kingdom Mauli-ola,

Awa that makes for health and peace;

Its woman-ban cleared by aspersion.

Pele, O Pele of the sacred land,

And thou, O Mother Haumea;

Thou Woman of Kilauea,

Fire-goddess who dug the Pit deep;

Niece to Ma-ú, Maka-li’i’s wife;