The Apotheosis of Pele: The Legends and Myths of Hawaiʻi

The Fables and Folk-Lore of a Strange People

By: His Hawaiian Majesty Kalākaua

Narrated by: Kekoa Lake

King David Kalākaua introduces us to the people upon whom the legend of the Pele family is based. They departed Samoa as war refugees in the 12th century, settling in the foothills of Mauna Loa. As earthquakes and eruptions occurred during their interactions with the Hawaiians, this family of kahuna were accorded what the king described as “unique sanctity and power”. Pele was as mighty as she was beautiful. The tales of the volcano goddess earned the attention of Kamapuaa, the outcast son of the chief of Oahu who terrorized the island with his band of renegades. The giant sought out Pele in hopes of finding his equal. But would he come to her mountain redoubt as a suitor or an enemy?

©1887 King David Kalākaua (P)2022 Kekoa Lake

Hawaiian History not “Myth”

On point. The regard of the people of Hawaii for Pele remains sacred. Even to non-Hawaiians Pele is a living deity.

Hawaiian History Turned Fable

Enthralling writing by King Kalākaua and beautiful narration by Kekoa Lake. This story tells of the actual human beings associated with the goddess Pele, her family, and her enemies - as well as their amazing stories. Over time, and even during their time, these people were raised to mythological status. My only complaint is that the story is not longer. I would love to hear more of Pele’s tales, but true to the title - the story ends with the ascent of Pele to godhood.

The Apotheosis of Pele

Great story and narrator. Deserving of a larger audience. He inoa no Kalakaua.

Aia lā ‘o Pele i Hawai‘i ‘eā
Ke ha‘a mai lā i Maukele ‘eā
‘Ūhī‘ūhā mai ana ‘eā
Ke nome a‘e lā iā Puna, ‘eā
‘Owaka i ka lani, nokenoke
Ē Pele ē Pele ē.