Her father exiled her (from her homeland, Honua-Mea in Tahiti) because of her temper, most recently for fighting with her water-goddess sister Na-maka-o-Kaha'i. She sailed from Tahiti in a canoe guided by her shark-god brother Ka-moho-ali'i, and was followed by her still angry elder sister. Every time she landed on an island and created a new volcanic home, it was flooded out by Na-maka-o-Kaha'i. Finally, the epic battle ended near Hana, Maui, where Pele was torn apart by her sister. Legend says her bones remain as a hill called Ka-iwiw-o-Pele.

Upon death, she became a god and found a permanent home on Mauna Kea, on the Island of Hawai'i. Pele is known for her violent temper, but also for her common visits among mortals. She is said to appear either as a tall, beautiful young woman or as a very old, ugly and frail woman. She is often accompanied by a white dog and typically tests people, rewarding the kind and punishing the cruel or disrespectful. Pele also loves attending social dances, and is known for great jealousy and vengeance when she doesn't get her man. She is also known for cursing Hawaii visitors who return to their homeland with volcanic rock, and has always been considered a protector of the Hawaiian people. Stories of Pele encounters are common campfire tales.

After her battle with Na-maka-o-Kaha'i, she found new enemies in the snow-goddess Poliahu whom she fought over Mauna Kea with, and the fertility god Kamapua'a, her sometimes lover.