The legend of Pele's curse says that anyone who removes anything natively Hawaiian like pieces of rock or sand from the Hawaiian islands will feel the wrath of Pele who views the rocks as her children. Legend has it that if you take from Pele, you will incur years of bad luck.

The most famous superstition in Hawaii is Pele's Curse, the belief that anyone who removes volcanic rock, sand, or black cinders from the islands will be plagued with extreme bad luck until the items are returned. Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, and the rocks are considered her children; taking them is seen as a profound act of disrespect to the land (ʻāina). While the legend's origins are debated—some say it was popularized by 20th-century park rangers to discourage theft—the impact is very real in 2026. Every year, thousands of "cursed" rocks are mailed back to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from all over the world, often accompanied by letters detailing job losses, illnesses, and broken relationships. Beyond the spiritual aspect, it is strictly illegal to remove minerals or sand from any U.S. National Park or Hawaii beach. To avoid the "curse" and respect the local culture, visitors are encouraged to "take only pictures and leave only footprints," ensuring the volcanic landscape remains intact for future generations and keeping their own luck intact for the journey home.