The mythology behind this tree says that 'Ohi'a was a strapping young lad whom the volcano goddess Pele became enamored with.
Pele made herself known to 'Ohi'a and announced her affection but 'Ohi'a turned her down because he was helplessly in love with Lehua. In a fit of jealousy and anger, Pele turned 'Ohi'a into a gnarly tree.
When the other gods saw what Pele had done, they tried to reverse the spell but were unable to. They could see how broken-hearted Lehua was by the transformation so they took pity on her and turned her into the beautiful, red blossom on the same tree.
Even today, picking a Lehua blossom is discouraged as the skies are expected to fill with rain, representing the tears of separated young lovers.
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