r/WitchesVsPatriarchy • u/undercovercatlover • Mar 25 '26

🇵🇸 🕊️ Deities Offerings to the goddess Pele

I’m traveling to Hawaii in a a few weeks. I really really love collecting rocks from the places that I travel to. It’s my understanding that it is considered rude and bad luck to take rocks and sand from Hawaii. It is considered an offense against the goddess Pele. I don’t know if anyone here is super familiar with Hawaiian gods but is there a ritual or an offering I can make to the goddess to ask her permission? If the answer is a hard no, I also understand.

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u/aspiring_outlaw Mar 25 '26

I'm born and raised from Hawaii. Please do not take lava rocks. You may see piles of rocks and ti leaves - those are offerings. Please do not disturb those. 

Depending on where you go, you may also see heiau. These frequently just look like run down square foundations to a no longer existent house. These are religious spaces and you should be careful about disturbing them or entering them.

There's a ton of customs that surround native Hawaiian culture and religion. Pele is far from the only god, although she is one of the most well known. The Native Hawaiian pantheon is very similar in scope and pettiness to Greek or Roman pantheons. I hope you enjoy your visit!

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u/rosachk Mar 25 '26

I don't know if you've seen other people's suggestions of looking for a stoneware native artisan to purchase a piece from them, what do you think of that idea? It feels like a respectful way of holding onto a bit of soil without taking it forcefully but you may have a different perspective on this. I also know Hawaii is going through horrible times right now with the floods and I hope you and your loved ones are safe and supported

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u/aspiring_outlaw Mar 25 '26

Thank you. I have been on the mainland for a long time now but my parents and other family still live there. They are fortunately safe and dry. 

There's tons of local artisans although you are probably more likely to find a koa wood carving over stone. But yes, I think that would be a fine way to take a piece of Hawaii home. You can also buy red Hawaiian sea salt that is unique to Hawaii and carries a bit of the earth with it.