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Hawaiian Constellations

hawaiinconstellations

In traditional Hawaiian astronomy and navigation, Hawaiian constellations (or nā hōkū o ka lani) were used by Polynesian voyagers to navigate vast ocean distances. While many align with Western constellations, Hawaiians grouped and interpreted the stars differently, focusing more on star lines, rising/setting patterns, and cultural meaning rather than fixed shapes.

Here’s a look at key Hawaiian constellations and celestial groups:


1. Ka Lupe o Kawelo ("The Kite of Kawelo")

  • Closest Western equivalent: Scorpius

  • Represents a traditional Hawaiian kite (lupe) with the star Antares (Lehuakona) as its heart.

  • Symbolizes Kawelo, a Hawaiian chief, and is used in seasonal and agricultural timing.


2. Ka Makau Nui o Māui ("The Great Fishhook of Māui")

  • Closest Western equivalent: Scorpius’ tail or Māui’s fishhook (Manaiakalani) in broader Polynesian traditions

  • Represents the legendary fishhook used by demigod Māui to pull up islands.

  • Important in storytelling and star navigation.


3. Manaiakalani ("The Fishhook of Māui")

  • Closest Western equivalent: Sagittarius + Scorpius tail

  • A larger pattern in Polynesian navigation than in the Western system.

  • Used in wayfinding to track east-to-west travel.


4. ʻIwakeliʻi ("Chiefly Frigate Bird")

  • Closest Western equivalent: Cassiopeia

  • Resembles a frigate bird in flight

  • Associated with direction and seasons


5. Nāhiku ("The Seven")

  • Closest Western equivalent: The Big Dipper (part of Ursa Major)

  • Used for orientation in the Northern Hemisphere

  • Pointed toward the North Star (Hōkūpaʻa)


6. Hānaiakamalama ("The Foster Child of the Moon")

  • Closest Western equivalent: The Southern Cross (Crux)

  • Only visible from Hawaiʻi part of the year

  • Important for marking the southern direction


7. Hōkūpaʻa ("Fixed Star")

  • Western name: Polaris (North Star)

  • Used to find true north; critical to Polynesian navigation


8. Ke Kā o Makali‘i ("The Canoe Bailer of Makali‘i")

  • Closest Western equivalent: Orion

  • Stars like Betelgeuse, Rigel, and others form a canoe bailer (scoop)

  • Associated with the constellation of Makali‘i, often identified with the navigator of the stars


9. Makali‘i ("Little Eyes")

  • Western equivalent: Pleiades (Seven Sisters)

  • Rising in the early evening signals the start of the Hawaiian new year (Makali‘i season)

  • Key in agriculture and ceremony


10. Meʻe ("Hero" or "Warrior")

  • Often equated with Orion in Hawaiian stories

  • Associated with bravery, hunting, and tracking


Notes on Hawaiian Star Knowledge

  • Hawaiian navigation relies on star lines, where stars rise and set at consistent points on the horizon—used like compass bearings.

  • Seasons and planting cycles were linked to star positions.

  • Cultural transmission: Knowledge was passed orally through chants (oli), storytelling, and practice aboard voyaging canoes.

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