Where Myth Is Alive and Goddesses Reign
Hawaii is a land infused with mythology, where ancient gods and goddesses are revered. If you choose to stay in one of our rainforest bungalows in your visit to Volcano, you will notice that each has a name inspired by a Hawaiian goddess. The many deities in Hawaiian folklore manifest in different ways, each of them playing an equally important role in shaping the culture and landscape.
Our Volcano Village Bungalows and the Goddesses That Inspired Them
Poliahu
Known as the goddess of snow, Poliahu is a cooling antidote to the churning lava associated with Hawaii. Her home is atop Mauna Kea, and this is one of the highest points on the Big Island, receiving measurable snowfall every so often. Poliahu’s wintry presence was felt recently, in early December 2021, when a storm dropped significant snow on its summit.
Pele
One of the most well-known goddesses in the pantheon, Pele, meaning lava, is the goddess of volcanoes, wind, and lightning. In a fascinating chapter of Hawaiian mythology, Pele created the Hawaiian volcanic chain in a fit of wrath after being banished from her family. She eventually settled inside the Halema’uma’u crater, with her fiery spirit inspiring Kilauea’s continual lava flows. This room at our boutique hotel in Volcano, Hi reflects the colors and fire of the volcano with the warm reds and photographs on the walls.
Hina
Hina is the goddess of the moon, a manifestation of feminine energy. The Hawaiian word Mahina also means moon, and Hina traveled to the moon to seek respite from earthly troubles. Make sure while staying at our Hawaii boutique hotel to plan an evening trek to Kilauea to experience Hina’s gentle presence, with the moon radiating soft light on the volcanic crater.
Laka
As the goddess of fertility and reproduction, Laka manifests in the lush beauty that defines the Big Island. The gorgeous flowers that grow out of the volcanic soil are her doing, as well as the dense jungles. She also invented the hula, a cherished tradition in Hawaiian culture, and many hula celebrations honor her.
Papa
In a sense, everything can be traced back to Papa and her outsized influence, as she symbolizes the earth mother. She made love to the sky and gave birth to all beings, planting the seed of abundance. She is often associated with rainfall and the harvest, providing sustenance and life force.
Each Bungalow Has a Unique Appeal
Like the goddesses that inspired them, all of our bungalows have differing personalities and qualities that set them apart. Some have a queen or king-size bed, while one (Papa) has a California King size bed. The Pele bungalow has a full-sized kitchen, and rather appropriately, given the goddess Pele’s command of fire, also has a fire pit. The Poliahu and Pele bungalows also work well when rented in tandem, as an adjoining door can connect the two.
Reserve one of our bungalows today and explore the land shaped by Hawaiian goddesses!
