‘Offerings’ of candy bars, rotten fruit leave a mess at Hawaii volcanoes, rangers say

A native Hawaiian tradition of leaving offerings at the sacred summit of Kīlauea has lasted for generations, but less-traditional offerings left by some visitors are causing problems, park rangers warn.

The gifts are traditionally left to honor Pelehonuamea, the elemental deity of volcanism and creation, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials said in a March 22 news release.

Native Hawaiians also offer prayers, chants and dances at the summit, called Kaluapele, rangers said.

But now “non-traditional items” including trays of rotten fruit, meat still in roasting pans, cookies, candy bars, incense, candles and plastic-wrapped flowers are leaving a mess, the park said.

“Although well intentioned, these offerings harm the environment and detract from the natural beauty of Kīlauea,” rangers said.

Photos posted by rangers show the makeshift offerings littering the landscape at the volcano.

“These offerings attract, or could introduce, non-native invasive species to the park, including fire ants, coqui frogs, mongoose and rats,” rangers said.

They ask visitors to refrain from leaving offerings and instead paying respect to Pelehonuamea with prayers or chants.

Kilauea is an active volcano on the island of Hawaii with a 4,090-foot summit, according to Britannica.

This story was originally published March 28, 2024 at 9:28 AM with the headline "‘Offerings’ of candy bars, rotten fruit leave a mess at Hawaii volcanoes, rangers say."