This photo shoot at the rim of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was solemn, spiritual and filled with emotion with a local hula halau (hula school). They all came to show their respect to their ancestors, Pele -the goddess of Volcano and fire and what individual amakua (spiritual or ancestral belief system) and paying homage to this sacred place and bringing Ho’okupu (offerings) to honor those loved ones and family that have come to visit and witness this occasion.

The protocol to visiting the caldera is quiet, respectul and filled with oli (chants) that stir up the senses and spiritual awakening of ancestors and spiritual beliefs. The images below show some of those special moments captured at the edge of the caldera with nature stirring up the heavens from sunny skies, to dark clouds and big rain drops and then hail all in a very short timeframe and really bringing out the connection between man and nature.

Overlooking the rim of the Caldera of Hale ma’uma’u and the home of Pele, the goddess of the Volcanoes and fire in Hawaii, the setting is spectacular and the gathering silent and awe inspiring.

At Big Island Photography Now, we strive to capture the balance between the ceremony, spiritual gatherings and special occasions on the Big Island.

If you have any special needs or requests for a photographer to help you with creating and capturing some special events, gatherings or personal project, let us help you with any photography needs.