“Our people have always lived with the elements not in fear of them, but in partnership with them.”

In Hawaiʻi, we don’t just live on the land—we live in harmony with it. The land, wind, rain, and sea are not just elements; they are our ancestors, our spirit, and our essence. We honor the winds, fish by the moon, and celebrate the rain. Hawaiians have always had a deep connection with the earth, and that relationship extends to the very source of energy beneath our feet.

One of the most powerful and sacred forms of energy in Hawai‘i is geothermal power—the heat rising from Pele’s breath. Yet, despite its abundance and sustainability, some may view geothermal energy as a foreign force rather than a divine gift. Let’s change that narrative: Geothermal is the most Hawaiian energy we have. It’s local. It’s renewable. It’s born from the very island we call home.

So why aren’t we embracing it fully?

Pele’s Power: A Living Force

Pele is not just a myth; she is alive. Pele is the creator of Hawai‘i Island, and her eruptions have shaped this land for centuries. Without Pele’s lava, there would be no Hilo, no Puna, no Kaʻū. Her molten flow built the island, layer by layer. Her energy is alive in every inch of Hawai‘i’s soil.

Would Pele, a loving kūpuna (elder), withhold the gifts she’s bestowed upon us? Would she give us such a powerful, sustainable energy source—geothermal heat—only to see us turn our backs on it? Of course not. Pele is about abundance, not fear. She is not here to harm us; she is here to guide us toward a future of prosperity and self-sufficiency.

Geothermal energy is not only a gift from Pele, but it is also a pathway to climate resilience and local energy sovereignty.

Geothermal Is Clean, Local, and Always On

Unlike other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, geothermal energy offers constant, reliable power. Here’s why geothermal is the future of energy in Hawai‘i:

• Local: Geothermal energy is generated right beneath our feet, without the need for imports or outside intervention.
• Sustainable: It’s a clean and endless energy source that won’t run out in our lifetimes.
• Efficient: Geothermal requires 5 times less land than solar power to generate the same amount of electricity, preserving our precious natural resources.
• Affordable: Geothermal helps reduce electricity bills, offering a way for Hawaiians to lower their dependence on expensive, imported fossil fuels.

Where solar energy stops working when the sun sets, and wind turbines fall silent when the breeze dies down, geothermal keeps on going, 24/7. It’s a source of baseload power, meaning it can be relied upon at all times, providing a steady stream of energy.

What’s the Real Objection to Geothermal?

Some say that using geothermal energy is offensive to Pele, but is that truly the case? Is it really disrespectful to tap into the natural heat of the earth to benefit our communities, or is this a misunderstanding of Pele’s true purpose?

If we were clear-cutting native forests or exploiting the land irresponsibly, that would indeed be harmful. But using safe and proven methods to extract geothermal energy is an act of intelligent stewardship. We aren’t desecrating the land; we are respecting it by using its natural resources to power our homes, schools, and businesses.

In fact, what’s truly offensive is continuing to rely on imported oil, which comes at the cost of our environment, our health, and our pocketbooks. The constant burning of fossil fuels contributes to climate change, increases energy bills, and pollutes our air.

What’s more damaging? Geothermal wells, or burning millions of gallons of oil that harm our land, sky, and oceans?