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Today is: 

Hilo

Hawaiian Months

There are two Hawaiian words for "month":  

     1) mahina - moon, month; moonlight. 

     2) malama - light, month, moon. 

One story tells that the months are male stars in the sixth generation after male Ao (day) and female Pō (night).  Each star-month has one or more star-wives.  The males are born in succeeding generations starting with ‘Ikuwā, which is the month name that we associate today with October.  The names for months vary from island to island, but the names have been somewhat standardized for use today. 

Some other terms referring to the month and/or moon are:

     mahina ‘ai - same as mahi ‘ai, to farm.  (Planting was done in reference to the phase of the moon.)

     mahina hapalua hope - waning of the moon.  Lit., last half of the moon.

     mahina hapalua mua - waxing of the moon.  Lit., first half of the moon.

     māhinahina - pale moonlight.

     mahina piha - full moon.

     mahina poepoe - full moon.  Lit., round moon. 

Below are some names of months and season that have passed since this webpage was started.  The below definitions contain items out of dictionaries and books, but also some personal insight here and there.  Enjoy!     back to calendar

Makali‘i (December-January) - This is considered the first month of the Hawaiian new year, as our year begins when the constellation Makali‘i (Pleiades) is on the horizon at sunset.  This is also when our Makahiki season begins.  The word is defined as: 

     1) tiny, very small, find, wee, small-meshed; narrow wefts

     2) Pleiades; Castor and Pollux

     3) Hawaiian month name; the six summer months collectively

It is interesting to note that Makali‘i can refer to two different constellations, Castor and Pollux belonging to Gemini.  Castor and Pollux together looks like a pair of eyes, so it is easy to see how they could have earned the name.  Also, in ancient Hawai‘i, there were different names for constellations, months, days, etc. on different islands. 

General Information: 

Kā‘elo (January-February) - This is the second month of the Hawaiian year and the last month of the rainy season.  The term is defined as: 

     1) name of a wet month (‘elo means saturated)

     2) name of a star, possibly Betelgeuse

General Information:  Food plants do not grow well in this season because of too much water.  This month also brings heavy rains that make the ground slippery, with darkened skies, thunder and lightning.       back to calendar

Kaulua (February-March) - This is the third month of the Hawaiian year and a time of transition between the rainy season and the warm weather, much like Spring.  The term is defined as: 

     1) double canoe, pair, yoke, tow of a kind; to put together a pair, to yoke or harness together, to double in quantity; coupled

     2) name of a month

     3) one of the many names for the star Sirius; according to some reports, a constellation

General Information:  The word can further be broken down into two - "kau" and "lua."  "Kau" is the Hawaiian word for "season," while "lua" can mean "two."  This is an indication of the dual-nature of this month.  Both warm and cold winds blow during this time, and showers alternating with sunny weather can also be seen.  The lehua flowers of the ‘ōhi‘a start to blossom, making this the season for bird-catchers in traditional Hawaiian society.  This is also the first month of the growing season, as many food plants should be planted by the end of this month.  This time is best for reef and inshore fishing.       back to calendar  

Nana (March-April) - This is the fourth month of the Hawaiian year and the fifth month of the wet season.  There are many definitions for this word, depending upon its significance.  Here are just a few: 

     1) name of a star (no data)

     2) name of a month

     3) a variety of taro

     4) a variety of fish (no data)

General Information:  This month is also the growing season, because the cold of winter is gone.  Nana refers to living in warmth.  The mildew formed by the rains in the wet season is now gone from plants, and the sun is out to warm the soil.  Foliage begins to thrive and give off new shoots at this time.       back to calendar   

Welo (April-May) - This month signifies the end of the rainy season as we move into Summer.  This time is our Spring.

The word itself is defined as: 

     1) To flutter, float, or stream, as the wind. 

     2) To set, of the sun. 

     3) Progeny, ancestry, family trait or strain, group custom, heritage, characteristic. 

     4) Name of a month in the lunar calendar. 

     5) Name of a star used by navigators.

From a Hawaiian perspective, everything is related.  These various definitions, while seemingly different, really represent very similar concepts to the Hawaiian mind.  For example, we can reasonably guess that in ancient times light, fluttery winds were common during this time of the year, and that something about the sunset was significant at this time.  We can also assume that the star by this name was most useful for navigation during this time of the year.  Likewise, Hawaiians most often view their homelands as being towards the west, where the sun sets, which could be the reason for this word also denoting some kind of familial connection. 

General Information:  This is one of the most productive times of the year for the farmer as most things are thriving.  Bird catchers witness new buds forming on ‘ōhi‘a trees while its flowers begin to grow fruit, attracting the most desirable birds.  Fishermen went out for deep-sea catch such as kawakawa, a‘u, mahimahi and black ulua.  Reef fishing was also good at this time of year.       back to calendar

Ikiiki (May-June) - The beginning of the summer, or Kau season.  This word is defined as: 

     1) Stifling heat and humidity. 

     2) Name of a month in the summer season. 

     3) Name for the planet Jupiter.

We know for certain that this most appropriate name is used for this time of the year because this is when the weather starts to turn hot and humid.  Therefore, the name of the month is also the word to describe that state of being.  It is also reasonable to assume that the planet Jupiter either appeared in the sky at this time, or was for some reason significant to the ancient Hawaiians at this time of year. 

General Information:  The humidity sets in at this time, but no one minds because food, fish and sunshine are plentiful.  The farmer doesn't notice the heat as he is too busy harvesting his crops.  This is a good time for hunting, and for readying all supplies for a great fishing season.  The great schools of ‘ōpelu would be running soon, and one needed to be prepared with large surround nets.  Moi would also be running this month, and it was a good time for catching a‘u, ulua, ‘ula‘ula, uhu, kawakawa and he‘e.  The first ‘ulu of the season is also ready during this time, and the lehua begin blossoming in the highest forests - the best time of year for bird catchers.  ‘Ōhi‘a ‘ai also bear their refreshing fruit at this time of year.     back to calendar

Ka‘aona (June-July) - This is a most pleasant month...the weather is fine, food is plentiful and fishing is good.  This word is defined as:

     1) Red or reddish-brown, due to being smoked, especially of fish.

     2) Attractive, of a child (children born in the month of Ka‘aona were thought to be attractive and lovable). 

General Information:  According to some, this is a fortunate time to marry, to build a new house, or to build a new canoe.  Marriages taking place in this month will be happy and produce many strong children.  (I'm not confident about how true this report is...it seems to fit all to well the whole June wedding cliché.  Often times information that we do have about ancient Hawaii is somewhat tainted by the contemporary mind of the person who first wrote it down...)     back to calendar  

Hinaia‘ele‘ele (July-August) - This is the time of the hot weather season when sudden showers are to be expected.  The word is defined as: 

     1) A Hawaiian star and month name.

While there is no clear breakdown of the component of this name, there can be assumptions drawn from parts of it.  The word "Hina" means, "to blow in a straight course, of wind;" and the color gray.  Both of these definitions are in line with the above description of a time when sudden showers are expected.  The mountain ranges become gray with clouds as the rain comes, with the clouds being blown thus by the wind.  The second component of this month's name, " ‘ele‘ele," means "black, dark."  This also suggests the accumulation of clouds that bring rain, as rain clouds can appear almost black. 

General Information:  An ‘ōlelo no‘eau (poetical saying) goes, "E pua ana ka ‘ōhi‘a ‘ai a hō‘umeke i ka malama o Hinaia‘ele‘ele," the mountain apple blooms and the fruits form in the month of Hinaia‘ele‘ele.  This is the time of year when the ‘ōhi‘a ‘ai (mountain apple) trees abound with fruit.  The word ‘umeke, which appears in the above saying, is also curious, as the goddess Hina, whose name is also a part of this month's name, is associated with an ‘umeke, a calabash bowl, in which she kept the moon and the stars.  Therefore, this month's name gives strong reference to the creation of the night sky and all its features.  This was also a good fishing month, and the last in which the delicious moi (threadfish) could be expected to run after the full moon.  Other fish caught during this time were a‘u, ahi, kawakawa, mahimahi, maiko, pāpio and he‘e.     back to calendar 

Māhoe Mua (August-September) - This is the month when the rainy season begins.  This term is defined as: 

     1) first twin (māhoe = twin; mua = first)

     2) Star name, one of the twins, Castor or Pollux.  (Probably Pollux, the brighter of the two, that rises before Castor.)

The names of months vary island by island, and according to some calendars this month is called Hilina Ehu, which is also the name of a star.  But references state that on O‘ahu, Māhoe Mua was used for this month, as this website originates from O‘ahu. 

General Information:  This month and the following month, Māhoe Hope ("last twin") are said to be so similar that they are twins, which is why they are named as such.  Characteristics of this month are about the balancing of opposites:  one can expect rain and wind followed by or even accompanied by hot sunshine, just as one can also expect stormy seas as well as calm waters.  It is a month when the fishing can be good, with the fisherman catching a‘u, ahi, ‘ōpelu, awa, ‘a‘awa, ‘owama, ulua, maiko, pāpio, uhu, he‘e and ula (lobster).  However, the fisherman must always be on the lookout for rough seas and sudden storms.  This is a time for the farmers to fish as well.  Surplus fish and sweet potatoes are cooked and dried in preparation for the winter.  All plants during this time begin to droop, as if they've lost the luster of youth.     back to calendar

Māhoe Hope (September-October) - This is the second month of the rainy season.  This term is defined as: 

     1) last twin (māhoe = twin; hope = last)

     2) Star name, one of the twins, Castor or Pollux.  (Probably Castor, which appears on the horizon after Castor.)

The names of months vary island by island, and according to some calendars this month is called Hilina Mā.  But references state that on O‘ahu, Māhoe Hope was used for this month, so since this website originates from O‘ahu, the O‘ahu name will be used. 

General Information:  This month is said to be so similar to the previous month of Māhoe Mua ("first twin"), that they are twins, which is why they are named as such.  Characteristics of this month are about the balancing of opposites:  one can expect rain and wind followed by or even accompanied by hot sunshine, just as one can also expect stormy seas as well as calm waters.  It is a month when the fishing can be good, with the fisherman catching a‘u, ahi, āholehole, awa, ‘a‘awa, ‘āweoweo, maiko, pāpio, ‘owama, ulua, and ula (lobster).  However, the fisherman must always be on the lookout for rough seas and sudden storms.  This is a time for the farmers to fish as well.  This most important task in this month is to prepare stores for winter, as well as for the Makahiki season.  Surplus fish and sweet potatoes are cooked and dried in preparation for the winter.  All plants during this time begin to droop, as if they've lost the luster of youth.     back to calendar

‘Ikuwā (October-November) - This month is brings roaring surf and thunderous cloudbursts.  This term is defined as: 

     1) noisy, clamorous, loud-voiced; to make a din; din, clamor; voices of the gods in the elements.

General Information:  This month is heralded by thunder in the skies and crashing surf at the shore.  There are bad storms, rough seas and high surf...and many people spend their time surfing.  This is also the month when any last month food cultivation/harvesting and prepping food stores should be done, in preparation for the Makahiki Season which begins during this month. 

The Makahiki is a period of approximately four months when work is set aside, and everyone celebrates the abundance that has been granted them throughout the year.  In ancient times, this was the month when the Konohiki collected "taxes" (for lack of a better word...really, it was food or supplies that would be used to sustain the chiefly families throughout the Makahiki season).  Once Makahiki begins, deep sea fishing is outlawed.  Reef fishing might still be done for the āholehole, kala, maiko, pāpio, and squid.  Women and children might fish for the fresh water creatures such as ‘o‘opu, ‘ōpae, and hīhīwai.     back to calendar

Welehu (November-December) - The Hawaiian winter begins this month.  Rain is expected, as are storms from the South.  Unlike other months, there is no additional definition for this word, other than it being the name of both a fish, and this specific month.  

     1) a deep sea fish resembling the hāuliuli.

     2) ancient Hawaiian month, corresponding approximately to November.  Kau ke po‘o i ka uluna, ‘o Welehu ka malama - rest the head on the pillow, Welehu is the month [a stormy month and little could be done except stay at home and sleep; said of one who may rest since his work is done].

General Information:  This is the month when Makahiki begins.  It is a time of celebration to honor the god Lono, the god of agriculture and fertility.  All temples to other gods are closed for the season, and worship only to Lono is practiced during this time.  As indicated by the ancient saying above, this season does not provide good conditions for working, which is why it is a time to honor the god for favoring us all year long and ask him to favor us once the season begins again.  Warfare is banned during this time, and only fun or rest can be had.  Ali‘i (chiefs) and Kahuna (priests) must tend to their responsibilities as links between the people and the gods.  They must sit in ceremony before they can enjoy the festivities of the season.     back to calendar

Hawaiian Seasons

Kau - Commonly known as summer.  This word, however, has a multitude of meanings (way too many to list).  Here are the few that are most relevant: 

     2)    Period of time, lifetime; any season, especially summer; time of late night before dawn. 

     10) Name of a star in the northern sky that served as a guide to mariners. 

     11) The Milky Way.

If you've been reading through the months, you'll notice a common thread.  "Kau" is also the name of a star used in navigation.  The art of navigation was intimately tuned to the weather and seasons, so it is easy to see why they would have given stars the same names as the seasons they corresponded to. 

Kauwela - Summer, hot season (wela = hot).  This word is more commonly used in modern times.

General Information:  This was the time to harvest crops and turn all efforts towards work in the forests, where hot weather crops could grow.  Farmers sometimes abandoned their plots during the hottest part of the season and moved to the beach to fish, gathering enough to sustain him through winter.     back to calendar

Ho‘oilo - Commonly known as winter, or more accurately, the rainy season.  After saying that, the definitions will appear rather redundant, but here they are nonetheless:

     1) Winter, rainy season. 

     2) A strong, bitter purgative. 

     Also, to cause germination or sprouting.

There are a few more definitions connected with this word, all having to do with maggots, so I've chosen not to repeat them here.  But, as was stated earlier, Hawaiians always recognized the connections between everything.  With Summer and Winter, it is interesting to note that these words both have positive and negative connotations, illustrating that Hawaiians recognized the good and bad in all and understood the need for balance. 

General Information:  Farming and fishing took secondary roles during this time of the year.  Instead indoor tasks were performed, such as creating fiber cordage, fishhooks, farming tools, repairing houses, and making weapons and utensils.  Women cleaned and wove lauhala into fine mats and continued making kapa cloth.  Towards the end of the rainy season, the farmer planted kalo and other crops requiring lots of water, and prepared for the upcoming hot season when dry-land crops such as ‘uala would be tended.     back to calendar