The Strange Hawaiian Curse That's Spooking Tourists Will Baffle You
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Megan Shute
Author
Like many indigenous peoples, the ancient Hawaiians felt a deep connection to the aina (land), and used stories of their gods and goddesses to explain everything from lava flows to the creation of the Hawaiian Islands. And while the islands are home to countless myths and legends, there is one legend in particular that applies directly to Hawaii’s tourists.
In ancient Hawaiian mythology, Pele is the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. She is the creator of the Hawaiian Islands, and is often referred to as Madame Pele, or Tutu Pele as a sign of respect. Pele is perhaps the most famous of Hawaii’s gods and goddesses, and can be found in many Hawaiian legends, including the one spooking so many tourists.
This common modern legend warns against Pele’s curse, which states that anyone who takes rock or sand away from the Hawaiian islands will suffer bad luck until the items are returned.
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While Pele is largely recognized as the goddess of volcanoes, she is also known for her passion, power, jealousy and capriciousness - traits of a person I certainly wouldn’t want on my bad side.
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Whether this myth is the result of a real Hawaiian curse, a disgruntled park worker who was tired of rocks being taken on his watch, or tour guides who didn’t want to deal with rocks and sand left on their busses is unknown, but each year, hundreds of visitors send packages full of rocks and sand back to the island to relieve their consciences and reverse their bad luck.
The legend likely originated in the twentieth century, and has been adopted across the islands as a warning of sorts; it is true that many natives and locals believe that what is natural to Hawaii should remain in Hawaii.
But even if the legend is made up, you still shouldn’t test your luck - it is still illegal to take minerals from a United States National Park, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
So, tell us, have you ever taken lava rock or sand from where it belonged? Did you experience bad luck of any kind? Share your experiences with us on our Only In Hawaii Facebook page.
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