Ceremonial offerings Halemaumau crater, Hawaii

Halemaumau pit crater is the central depression of Kilauea volcano's large caldera. The crater was a molten lava lake between 1823-1924. The latest eruption was in 2008. Hawaiian legend has it that this crater is the home of the Goddess of fire, *Pele*, and ceremonial hula is performed regularly on the crater rim. This image shows offerings of fruit & flowers wrapped in traditional *Ti* (cordyline) leaves on the edge of the crater at Halemaumau overlook to appease the fire goddess.