Thin strands of volcanic glass drawn out from molten lava are called Pele’s hair. They are named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. “Pele’s hair” is the internationally recognized (geological term) for such volcanic glass threads, and is one of Hawaii’s worldwide influences.
Pele’s own story, how she left Kahiki and came down the island chain to Kīlauea, is one of seven we retell on our Big Island mythology page.
The strands are formed by the stretching or blowing-out of molten basaltic glass from lava. Pele’s hair is often carried high into the air, and wind can blow the glass threads several tens of kilometers from a vent.
Strand of Pele’s hair in the Halema’uma’u crater of the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii
You can find these hairs all around the active craters in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and in the Kaʻu Desert. A good place to look for them is on big lava rocks. Pele’s hairs often get stuck on these just like real hairs get stuck on your clothing. If you are up for a seven-mile hike (out and back), you can try the Mauna Iki trail, which is known for the presence of Pele’s hair.
In the short video below you can see how Pele’s hairs move in the wind, just like normal hair!
You can read more iabout Pele’s Hairs in this 2023 Volcano Watch article.