"Kapi'olani Defying Pele"
This picture is available as a stock image. Phone: 808-935-3082

In 1824 the high chiefess Kapi'olani, an ardent Christian, decided to act in defiance of Pele as a demonstration to her people of her new faith.

Ignoring dire warnings she descended into the caldera to the brink of the fire-pit Halema'uma'u. Here she ate 'ohelo berries without asking Pele's permission and read passages from the Bible.

Unharmed she returned home, hopeful that her action would help win converts among her people.

Page 130, Voyagers