Pele and Poliahu are known as the Hawaiian Goddesses of Fire and Ice. Our evening theme event encompasses both
elements in our décor and entertainment.
Pele and Poliahu Legend
Pele has survived as the best-known, most-revered goddess of ancient times, but in legends, she was anything but a kind and lovable
being, and she had many competitors. Among those generally considered her enemies were four mythological maidens attired in
luxurious white mantles, the goddesses of the snow-covered mountains. But it was Poliahu, a snow-goddess who loved to cavort with
mortals along the eastern cliffs of Mauna Kea, who was Pele's primary nemesis.
One day, it is said, Poliahu and her friends had come down from Mauna Kea to a grassy sloping hillside south of Hamakua for holua sledding. Pele appeared in the guise of a beautiful young woman and the unsuspecting Poliahu welcomed her to join in their sport. As the ground grew hotter and hotter, Poliahu realized the beautiful stranger was none other than Pele, her arch enemy. Pele called forth fire from the depths of Mauna Loa, sending fire fountains after Poliahu as the terrified goddess fled to the summit. Regaining her strength, she flung her white mantle over the mountain peak. The grounds trembled, fire licked the heavens, and the snow goddess unleashed snow from frozen clouds overhead.
From time to time, Pele continues to hurl fire and lava from Mauna Loa and Kilauea, but legend says that Poliahu
always gains the upper hand in these battles. She and the other snow goddesses keep the mountain tops barren under their icy
mantles, allowing melting streams to form the rivers that feed the fertile valleys and give the Hamakua Coast and North Kohala a
green, misty surrealistic beauty.
