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16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire reveals herself at Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Halemaʻumaʻu Crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is home to the Fire goddess Pele. In 2008 the summit of Kilauea rumbled and opened up itʻs crater floor, exposing the magma chamber below. At night the glow from the chamber lights up the crater and the billowing steam clouds coming from it. Hawaiians believe that Pele, their goddess of fire, has revealed herself to remind them of her spiritual presence amongst them.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2018
Date Uploaded: 10.2018
Photo Location: Volcano Hawaii, Hawaii, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 5D
Copyright: © Lehuanani Waipā-Ah Nee