Hawaiian Constellations

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.