The first part of this book focuses on the legends of Hawaii and its volcanoes. The second part considers the geology of the region and discusses the crack in the floor of the Pacific, Hawaiian volcanoes, volcanic activity and the changes in the Kilauea crater. It also looks at the foundation of the observatory.

Presents lore associated with that impetuous and unpredictable, yet gentle and loving personality, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, Pele.

"A richly entertaining series of Hawaiian tales with explanatory facts, which will delight and inform both the folklore fan and the general reader…" —The Honolulu Advertiser Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes made its first appearance in 1916, in both American and British editions, as the third in a series that represented a pioneering study of Hawaiian folklore. The rich tradition of Hawaiian legends is showcased in it's purest form, making this an essential read for anyone living in Hawaii who wants to understand the local culture or anyone interested in classical folklore. The book also includes a study of Hawaiian geology, which is essential to understanding how the Hawaiian religion and classical Hawaiian stories developed. Legends and stories include: Ai–Au, The Forest Eater Pele and the Owl Ghost–God Hiiaka's Battle with the Demons The Annihiation of Keoua's Army Kapiolani and Pele and many more… Other volumes in the series about Hawaiian culture and history are Hawaiian Legends of Ghosts and Ghost-Gods and Hawaiian Legends of Old Honolulu.

When the first Europeans arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, the volcano goddess Pele was the central deity of a complex religion in the volcano districts of Hawai'i Island. While native Hawaiians were quickly converted to Christianity, Pele remained remarkably relevant as a deity. This book is a critical biography of the volcano goddess, as well as a history of her religion. Topics covered include the ongoing belief in Pele, her popular manifestations, her ceremonies, her new cultural roles and her current status in Hawai'i.

Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes (1916) is a collection of Hawaiian folktales and myths by W. D. Westervelt. Connecting the origin story of Hawaii to the traditions of other Polynesian cultures, Westervelt provides an invaluable resource for understanding the historical and geographical scope of Hawaiian culture. Drawing on the work of David Malo, Samuel Kamakau, and Abraham Fornander, Westervelt, originally from Ohio, became a leading authority on the Hawaiian Islands, publishing extensively on their legends, religious beliefs, and folk tales. "When Pele came to the island Hawaii, seeking a permanent home, she found another god of fire already in possession of the territory. Ai-laau was known and feared by all the people. [...] Time and again he laid the districts of South Hawaii desolate by the lava he poured out from his fire pits." Beginning with the origin story of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, Westervelt introduces his groundbreaking collection of legends on the volcanic nature of the Hawaiian Islands. Despite his fearsome power over creation and destruction, Ai-laau disappeared the moment he became aware of Pele's presence. Having traveled across the limitless ocean, her name was already known far and wide, along with her reputation for strength, anger, and enviousness. Establishing herself within the crater of Kilauea, Pele quickly took command over the gods, ghost-gods, and the people inhabiting the islands. Central to Hawaiian history and religion, Pele continues to be celebrated in Hawaii and across the Pacific today. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of W. D. Westervelt's Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes is a classic of Hawaiian literature reimagined for modern readers.