Pele and the Snow Goddess

retold here by Alyssa
Adapted from "Pele and the Snow Goddess" from Hawaiian Legends on Volcanoes by William D. Westervelt

On the top of the mountain, Mauna Kea, lived the four beautiful snow goddesses Poliahu, Lilinoe, Waiau, and Kahoupokane. These women were goddesses of beauty and masters at sports who carried beautiful snow mantles and sun-bathed clothing.

One day as Poliahu was sitting on a cliff on the island of Kauai when a handsome young chief named Aiwohikupua was passing by. He noticed her beauty and not long after they were engaged. But a young chiefess who lived on the island of Maui was also engaged to Aiwohikupua.

On the day of the wedding, Poliahu and the snow goddesses descended from the mountains. At that time the chiefess arrived and told her story. Poliahu had cast her wrath and punished both the queen and Aiwohikupua and left with the other snow goddesses.

Either before or after this incident, Poliahu met Pele on a grassy hillside where people were playing their favorite sports. Pele was jealous of Poliahu and they battled. Lava against ice and Poliahu won. Pele and Poliahu battled many times after this but Poliahu will and has always won.