Wenua Kahi /we.nua ka.hi/

firestick plant lipstick palm Date-like Palm red yucca indian paintbrush

Geography

Coastal Landscape

The most defining feature of Fire Island is its stunning coastline, which stretches across the eastern edge in a series of jagged, rocky outcrops and sandy beaches. The beaches are powdery white and peppered with large, smooth granite boulders that have been weathered into striking, bright-orange hues. These rocks are not just visually stunning - they seem to glow with a mysterious heat, creating a warm, fiery glow that illuminates the surrounding waters.

The ocean surrounding the island is a mix of deep turquoise and emerald green, with small islets and sea stacks jutting from the water, some towering dramatically, while others are barely visible above the surface. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks fills the air, creating an eternal rhythm, interrupted only by the calls of seabirds and the occasional rumble of distant volcanic activity.

Volcanic Terrain

The center of Fire Island is dominated by volcanic landscapes, with active and dormant volcanic craters scattered across the island. These volcanoes are responsible for much of the island's rugged topography, including lava plains, crater lakes, and steep, blackened hillsides. The volcanic soil is rich in minerals, fostering lush plant life, but the heat from the underground magma creates pockets of steam vents and hot springs, adding an element of danger and unpredictability.

Lush Pepper Forests

Fire Island is renowned for its unique vegetation, particularly the native chili pepper plants that grow in abundance. These peppers come in many shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors, ranging from deep crimson to bright yellow, with some varieties glowing faintly in the dark. The plants are often found in thick, pepper forests—dense groves where the leaves and stems of chili pepper vines intertwine to create almost impenetrable thickets.

The trees in these forests are twisted and gnarled, often with thick, flame-colored bark, and they radiate a faint warmth. The air is heavy with the scent of spiced peppers and the occasional sulfurous whiff from the nearby volcanic activity.

Volcanoes and Lava Fields

In the heart of Fire Island, the active volcanoes are ever-present. These fiery mountains regularly release rivers of molten lava, which carve through the landscape, forming lava fields that are treacherous and constantly shifting. The heat from the lava not only affects the local fauna but has also shaped the island’s geothermal energy, giving rise to geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles that dot the landscape.

Lava flows are a common hazard, and the natural heat of the island makes it a challenging place to live, but those who call Fire Island home have adapted to the unique challenges of their environment, developing a culture of fire-worship and resilience.

Jungle and Swamps

To the south, the landscape shifts again into a dense, humid jungle and marshlands. Towering trees with thick trunks and broad leaves form a canopy that blocks out most of the sunlight, casting everything in a dim, greenish hue. The swamps here are treacherous and filled with pockets of boiling water, steam vents, and sweltering bogs that bubble and hiss as if the earth itself is alive with heat. Sulfurous geysers intermittently shoot up from the ground, creating dangerous terrain that can catch the unwary off-guard.

Location under

Wenuawa Keala /we.nua.wa ke.a.la/

Inhabiting Species

• Charmander

Related Materials

• Chili Pepper