Lava Hike 14 Published March 24, 2013 at 2448 × 3264 in The Big Island: Trip 2 – Day 1 There were other groups of hikers that ended up where we were that had sticks to poke the lava. Sticking a stick in the lava is disrespectful to the Hawaiian culture and Pele (Goddess of Fire). However, it’s still amazing to see it catch on fire.