Maui My Way: Pu'u Pehe Rock

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Tuesday, 22nd February
MAUI MY WAY: PU'U PEHE ROCK

courtesy of nomad-chic

What’s the best souvenir you picked up?
I picked up a lava rock at Pupehe Rock but had to put it back. Pu’u Pehe Rock or Sweetheart Rock, a triangular rock located offshore and to the left of Hulopo’e Bay, is named after the wife of a jealous husband who was confined to a cave nearby. The myth is that Pu’u Pehe drowned in the cave and her husband was so anguished over her death that he climbed to the top of the rock and with a lending hand from the gods buried her body in a tomb, which can now be found on top of the rock. The jealous husband then leapt to his death from Pu’u Pehe Rock. No human remains were ever found and it is believed the “tomb” may possibly be a bird heiau constructed by ancient Hawaiians.

Bruce Harvey, a guide who lived on Lana’i, told me that Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes, becomes enraged when volcanic rocks are removed from her land. Tourists who decide to take home lava souvenirs are faced with Pele’s rage and a curse is placed upon them and their families. Stories of lost jobs, homes, even lives are often repeated. The superstition is that the only way to reverse the wrath of Pele is to return the rocks or sand to the island. The post office often receives packages from all over the globe with dusty fragments of it own Island.

After that I stuck with handmade soy based coconut shell candles.

Leis are everywhere and they really do smell divine but it’s most eco to leave them, too. Ukuleles, grass skirts, and Hawaiian shirts seem better suited for celluloid.

July 2012