Mauna Loa volcano has a profound cultural significance

The lava flow is an opportunity for the Hawaiian people to honor their ancestors... and to meditate

• The eruption of the volcano is of very personal importance to the people of Hawaii.

  archival

• Thousands of people seek nighttime views of lava flowing.

  archival

picture

As Williti Kalaukaku Akima-Akau watched the lava flow from Mauna Loa, she made offerings like coins and tobacco and would share in traditions she inherited from her grandfather and other Native Hawaiians as a way to honor both the natural and spiritual worlds.

Akima Akao said she plans to take her grandchildren with her and they will make offerings together and sing to Pele, the god of volcanoes and fire, who her grandfather used to revere as a kobuna, a word meaning ancestor.

"It is the right time to honor (Kubona), that is, our ancestors, and for our children to come and witness what is happening, as history is made daily," she added, noting that today's experiences will be added to the stories, songs, dances and chants of future generations.

Many indigenous people of Hawaii believe that the eruption of a volcano like Mauna Loa has profound cultural and personal significance.

Many believe that it can be an opportunity to feel the connection with the Creator of the universe, through the way molten lava gives life to a new land that forms on it after it cools, in addition to that it is a time to reflect on their place in the world and the peoples that came before them.

Watch lava

“The eruption of the volcano is a display of the many natural and spiritual powers of the Hawaiians,” said Hawaii Tourism Authority spokesman Elijah Jewison, an indigenous Hawaiian who lives on the Big Island.

People who are not used to this should understand that it is very personal and very important.”

In fact, not all Native Hawaiians will feel the need to take a trip to view the lava, but those who do make the trip, some sing, others pray to their ancestors, while still others may honor or dance for the moment.

"Some people may feel moved by silently observing the scene, or meditating," Jeosun said.

As an Aboriginal, Kenani Kahonil says she feels moved as she honors the moment and will take her children, nephews, siblings and close friends and get as close to the lava as she can and sing songs for Pele.

Our offerings will be our voices.

The goal is not to make an offer, but rather the relationship that we make with Pele, and with the land.

Many Native Hawaiians practice family traditions inherited from adults, and Akima-Akau, who lives in Kauai on the west side of Big Lake, remembers hearing the stories, “Her grandfather would come from Maui or Ohu whenever there was a lava flow on Big Island In order to honor Pele and make his offerings.

Native Hawaiians have different relationships with the "spirituality" of lava.

There are various relationships and relationships with Pele, the god of volcanoes and fire, whom some refer to as the "god of gods."

Pele has great importance in Hawaiian culture, representing all phenomena related to volcanoes.

So far, the tourism authority has not received any complaints about people who oppose cultural practices, said Jeosun, who added that the tourism authority is focused on teaching tourists in general how to respect the spectacle of volcanic eruption and who respects it.

Kinani Kahonel, a Native Hawaiian who teaches Native Hawaiian language and music at the University of Hawaii, knows that visitors to the island might get curious when they see and hear her family sing.

Lava landscapes

The magnificent view of Mauna Loa attracts thousands of people who seek night views of the lava flowing from the northeastern foot of the mountain.

And there are the Native Hawaiian cultists, like Kela Pesota, who want the lava to be mindful of the people singing, praying or meeting in religious ceremonies amidst the eruption.

"If someone does something they want to invite someone to participate or watch, there will be an invitation," said tourism official Joseon.

Not all Native Hawaiians will feel the need to take a trip to view the lava, but those who do make the trip, some sing, others pray to their ancestors, while still others may honor or dance for the moment.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news