It was our destiny, to gather together for a moment in time. As this day would change our lives forever.  Early March 2008, the Big Island of Hawaii went through a series of eruptions. Kilauea’s summit had movement and was active once again. Within that summit, Halemaumau Crater was pouring new landmass out into the sea and Earth was growing by the day following down through the east rift zone of activity.  It was our time and calling to visit, not by land but by sea, as if Earth was telling us something. It was time for our destiny.  We had talked about this day just months before.

Yesterday lava flowed 90 meters wide as far
out as a hundred meters from the shoreline,
with ocean temperatures boiling over 200
degrees Fahrenheit.

Today, it was like a hot spring filled with sulfur and salt crystals and in this moment in time, there were just a mere five fingers of lava flow and no more than a meter wide. It was as though the Earth’s curiosity along with Madame Pele were waiting for us. We had a personal invitation. Our door was about to open and a true connection was about to begin.  Unloading equipment, Kinimaka laid the Ho’okupu on the red board of fire and set forth toward the bright orange finger as I followed close behind. Like a readied Hawaiian warrior heading straight to the goddess of fire, he paddled with no hesitation.  Three paddle lengths from the finger of lava, Kinimaka went into his chant. In his Pule (or prayer in Hawaiian) he asked Pele for safety, giving mahalo (thank you) for this opportunity in way of ancient rite and culture.

Upon completion of this ritual, we released our Ho’okupu and as I paddled eight strokes backward and I felt her Mana, as well as an earthy presence. As I turned away to get up, I instantly fell in the water and felt a warm wave of heat past through my body. It was a feeling of safety, a connection with the Earth.  Later we found out that in this same moment, it was the only place on Earth, which was growing. As though all, which was living within this planet, was watching.  Paddling back to the boat, Kinimaka switched stand up boards and made
his way back. It was his time to entertain Madame Pele. It was his time to be alone with the goddess of fire.   Approaching with eyes on the lava flow just two paddle lengths away, he stepped back on the tail of his board yellow board and with three sweeping strokes, spun like a warrior, like one of King Kamehameha’s men, so focused and in tune with what is “Pono”, with what is culturally right. Not by what was spoken through lore, but by what he felt inside.  As though at the request of Madame Pele, he show his strength as a warrior, for his blood and connection to the culture as his name “Leleo” meaning “voice that people follow” and lead by example to all Hawaiian people.

It was not only what we felt but also
what we physically witnessed. Fronting
the glow of the lava, the figure of a
female with long hair appeared.

It was now my turn, and as I searched for the right flow, I found one where I could slide along side and feel as well as see Earth growing. It was a small finger on a palm facing down that I would paddle and as I stroked fast before gliding along the flow, I saw the boat and Kinimaka disappear into the ocean to another growing flow.  For that moment, I was alone with the Earth, watching the bright red glow, mesmerized by both the sight of Earth’s growth and two distinct sounds. Like microwaved popcorn exploding out of the lava as it hit the
ocean and the clacking of the Hawaiian ‘Ili-‘ili stones. As night fell, Kinimaka felt it was Madame Pele’s decision that he do one last pass along that last finger of fire and as he readied to paddle, the most amazing thing happened. So surreal, it was not only what we
felt but also what we physically witnessed.  Fronting the glow of the lava, the figure of a female with long hair appeared. Mouth opened wide and watching. Kinimaka paddled toward the flow, which was now in darkness, but quite visible with the well lit glowing lava.

On his second pass, a wave lapped against the rock like figure and it turned into a smile of a young female. Madame Pele had given us her approval and with two waves brushing against her beauty, she disappeared into the darkness of the night.  With just the glow of Madame Pele’s flow, and her token of mahalo, it was also a reminder as Polynesians had done for centuries before, to respect her. And in return we shall always be able to paddle with the living Earth.