For many Hawaiians, lava flows are a time to honor, reflect.
Glowing lava from the world’s largest volcano is a sight to behold, but for some, Mauna Loa’s eruption is a time to pray, make offerings and honor both the natural and spiritual worlds.
When Willette Kalaokahaku Akima-Akau looks at the the lava flowing from Mauna Loa volcano and makes an offering of gin, tobacco and coins, she will be taking part in a tradition passed down from her grandfather and other Native Hawaiians as a way to honor both the natural and spiritual worlds.
Akima-Akau said she plans to take her grandchildren with her and together they will make their offerings and chant to Pele, the Hawaiian deity of volcanoes and fire, whom her grandfather used to pay reverence to as a kupuna, a word that can mean ancestor.
“This is the time for our kupuna, for our people, and for our children to come and witness what is happening as history is being made every day,” she said, adding that today’s experiences will be added to the next generation’s stories, songs, dances and chants.
For many Native Hawaiians, an eruption of a volcano like Mauna Loa has a deep yet very personal cultural significance. For many it can be an opportunity to feel a connection with creation itself through the way lava gives birth to new land, as well as a time to reflect on their own place in the world and the people who came before them.
“A volcanic eruption is a physical manifestation of so many natural and spiritual forces for Hawaiians,” said Ilihia Gionson, a Hawaii Tourism Authority spokesperson who is Native Hawaiian and lives on the Big Island, where Mauna Loa is located.
“People who are unfamiliar with that should understand that it’s a very personal, very significant thing.”
Some just enjoy a contemplation.
“Some people may be moved to just kind of observe in silence, meditate, you know, commune with their higher power or their kupuna in their own ways,” Gionson said.
Cultural practitioners want lava gawkers to respect people chanting, praying or gathering in ceremonies.
“If a person doing something wants to invite somebody to participate or watch, there will be an invitation,” said Gionson. “And if not, respect that and keep a respectful distance.”
So far, the tourism authority hasn’t received any complaints. Kahaunaele, who teaches Hawaiian language and music at the University of Hawaii’s Hilo campus, knows that visitors to the island might be curious when they see and hear her family chanting.
“Don’t film us. Don’t even ask for permission, just don’t,” she said. “That even goes for locals. Don’t infringe upon anybody else’s moment.”