Customer Reviews

Pele: Goddess of Hawaii's Volcanoes

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This small but beautiful book is a marvelous introduction to Hawai'ian mythology through the volcano goddess Pele. Also contains information about the other Hawai'ian gods, which were largely imported from Tahitian myths. The book presents the reader with the facts and fallacies behind the lore of Pele through very readable and enjoyable text and beautiful paintings. Of special interest is the list of stories about Pele sightings that have occured since the beginning of Hawai'ian history and which continue to this day. Also contains much fascinating information about Hawai'ian culture (which tourists often take for granted), including the cultural and spiritual importance of the hula dance. Highly recommended!

Pele Goddess of Hawaii's Volcanoes is a wonderful book full of the myths and legends of a powerful Goddess who rules over the Hawaiian islands. With strinking pictures that explain all of the gods and put faces to the names. It disproves false myths such as human sacrafice and brings it all alive. Reading this book is a must before visiting the vocanoes in Hawaii, it makes it all mean so much. I definately recommend this book!

A fascinating history of the goddess Pele in legend and history, telling her story from ancient Hawaii to the present. Particularly interesting is the author's description of people returning rocks taken from Hawaii in the belief that they have been cursed. It seems Pele's presence is still very much felt in Hawaii. The book is full of absolutely gorgeous illustrations, it would be worth buying for those alone, but the text is absorbing too. If you want to know about Pele, this book will tell you everything about her.

Herb Kane, foremost artist/historian on Hawaii and the South Pacific gives a wonderfully entertaining and educational look into Hawaiian facts and legends. The words and breathtaking art work are forever memorable!

a beautiful book, the paintings are breathtaking. this is not an artists rendering of Pele. mr kane obviously knows her well, he has captured the spirit and fire that is Pele. a must ahve for anyone wishing to know this goddess.

The Goddess Pele never died, She is stil; alive in Hawaii. This book although written by a non pagan brings Pele to life with his words. His art gives her beauty and power. Many who think her curse is a joke take rocks from her island and then live the curse of Pele if they survive they bring them back to Her island. This book reveals the history of Hawaii and tells how Pele was not a native Hawaiin. It also shows the degeneration of her worship through the conversion to the new religion Christianity. The illustrations are so very beautyful and do remind me so much of the beautyful firey Goddess Pele. Her worship is alive and well.

This is an OK book, but could have been better. There are few actual stories. A lot of good information and background on Pele and the volcanoes of Hawaii written in a forgettable style. The art is not so great, either. The Ancient Hawaii book by the same author is much better over all.

Herb Kawainui Kona is not only a wonderful artist, but also a wonderful story teller. Whenever we have family or guest visiting we ALWAYS make sure to send EACH of them home with a copy. (if we sent them only home w/ one there would be fights trust me)
Pele:Goddess of Hawaii's Volcanoes is a book about the stories of old Hawaii nei. While reading the stories, you will also find the most BEAUTIFUL painting of what Mr Kane sees. I so believe that Mr. Kane and Pele are related, or this man has meet tutu Pele. I believe you also will agree after reading this book. Also be sure to check out other items about this most awesome gentleman. If you are ever on the Island of Hawaii (aka The Big Island) be sure to go to Volcano Park and see his work up close. Also one might want to type Herb Kawainui Kane on google, yahoo. etc. I do hope that you buy this book and enjoy it has much as we have. Aloha

*****
This is a lovely short book (71 pages), spectacularly illustrated by the author. Even though the classification of this book is "juvenile literature", it is a collector's item for anyone who loves Hawaiian culture.

It is illustrated with black-and-white and color drawings by the author whose value alone surpasses the price of the book. There are many stories about Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, written in an enjoyable style, exploring both past and current legends and folklore. The author, Herb Kawainui Kane, was elected a Living Treasure of Hawai'i, and does an excellent job with this book.
*****