Getting to know the culture in Hawaii is very interesting for someone not well versed in it. The Hawaiian culture leans very heavily on their understanding of their deities. The Hawaiian religious system has nearly 45 gods/goddesses ranging from the ‘god’ of thunder (Haikili) to the shark ‘god’ (Kāmohoaliʻi) to the goddess of love, hula, and fertility (Laka). Perhaps the most prominent in current culture, particularly when visiting the Big Island is Pele, the ‘god’ of fire and volcanos. ⠀⠀
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Children in Hawaiian schools are taught that the islands are made by Pele, and that he dwells in Kīlauea, the main active volcano on the island, and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. These children take field trips to ‘see Pele’. Tourists see signs posted around Volcanos National Park not to touch hot lava, not as a safety concern, but because of the cultural and religious significance, as molten lava is believed to be the physical embodiment of Pele. Pele is everywhere in Hawaiian culture. ⠀⠀
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Yet despite the number of ‘gods’, and the seemingly ever present discussion and focus on the gods/goddesses, the Hawaiian system of beliefs misses the true origins of their beautiful islands, and also misses the true source of hope and meaning. ⠀⠀
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As I stood at this sight nicknamed Pele’s Well, I couldn’t help but be overtaken at the beauty of God’s creation, and how much more rich the presence and promise of God is compared to the fickle and demanding nature of the hawaiian ‘gods’. I was also reminded of the need to remember that the one true God desires for us to worship him as the creator, rather than worshiping the creation. ⠀⠀
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Isaiah 42:8 “I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.”⠀⠀
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Photo Info⠀⠀⠀
1/6 | f/4.5 | ISO 1600 | 19mm |⠀⠀
Canon 5D Mark IV | 16-35mm f/4L IS | ⠀⠀
LEE 0.9 Hard Grad | Lee Big Stopper
Big Island of Hawaii ⠀⠀
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