pele
The Hawaiian word for lava is pele.
The term pele refers to molten rock.
Meaning: molten rock (noun)
Did you know?
- Hawaiian distinguishes between different types of lava, such as pahoehoe for smooth lava and ʻaʻā for rough lava. These terms are used globally by geologists in English scientific papers.
- The word pele is also the name of the goddess of volcanoes and fire. In Hawaiian culture, lava is not just a geological substance but the physical manifestation of this deity.
- In some contexts, the term for lava is treated with extreme respect, and one might avoid speaking of it too casually to avoid offending the deity.
Examples in context
- He pele kēia.This is lava.
- Hiki ke ʻike ʻia ka pele.The lava can be seen.
- Holoholo ka pele i ka moana.The lava flows into the ocean.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Leilani are looking at a volcano.
- IkaikaE nānā i ka pele!Look at the lava!
- LeilaniUē, ʻino ka holo o ka pele.Yes, the lava is flowing fast.
- IkaikaUa loli ka rangi no ka pele.The sky changed because of the lava.
- LeilaniHe mea kupaianaha ka pele.Lava is an amazing thing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pele, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
