{"id":4664,"date":"2023-09-25T22:31:29","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T22:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/climate-data-portal\/?page_id=4664"},"modified":"2026-06-23T01:13:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T01:13:37","slug":"hawaiian-lunar-calendar","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/climate-data-portal\/hawaiian-lunar-calendar\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawaiian Moon Calendar"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/span>\"\"
\n

Hawaiian Lunar Calendar<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mahina (Moon)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

The moon held immense significance in the lives of the Hawaiian people. Known as Mahina and personified as the goddess Hina, the moon was regarded as family. Through its predictable nature, the moon became a dependable source of information crucial for the survival of countless generations. Just as lunar patterns and cycles were meticulously observed, similar patterns and cycles were discerned in the sky, on land, and among different organisms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aligning their practices with lunar phases, the Hawaiians developed planting and fishing strategies that maximized their yields. They recognized the significance of timing, not only for harvesting resources but also for resting fishing grounds or gardens\u2014an awareness that was owed much to the moon. Knowledge of moon names, functions, and rhythms was shared collectively among the Hawaiian people, as the moon represented a benevolent provider of time-tested wisdom and life-sustaining resources. Consequently, the moon received profound reverence, with chants offered in its honor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more, visit: \u2018Imi \u2018Ike\u2014Cycles and Hawaiian Traditions<\/a> and Traditions of O\u02bbahu: Seasons & Months<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources: \u2018Imi \u2018Ike\u2014Cycles and Hawaiian Traditions<\/em>. (n.d.). https:\/\/ulukau.org\/gsdl2.81\/cgi-bin\/cbimiikecycle?a=d&d=D0.3&gt=2&e=010off–00-1–0–010—4——-0-1l–11en-50—20—00-3-1-000–0-0-11000<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dennis Kawaharada. (n.d.). Kapi\u02bbolani CC Library LibGuides: Traditions of O\u02bbahu: Seasons & Months<\/em>. https:\/\/guides.library.kapiolani.hawaii.edu\/apdl\/oahu\/months<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Traditional Pacific Island communities survived by managing natural resources with an understanding of the cycles of scarcity and abundance. All of their food, materials and supplies came from their environment. Kilokilo, a professional class of astronomers and observers, developed the calendars. The moon\u2019s effect on the ecosystem was learned through generations of observing its phases and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

– Communities lived in a harmonious, reciprocal relationship with the environment and considered themselves part of the ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Conflicts were resolved through cultural protocols. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Enforcement was strict and penalties were severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Management responded to community needs and was conducted by experts with knowledge of the ecosystem, gained through generations of observation and interaction with the resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Custom and tradition controlled the conduct of activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Customary access to resources was by the native land and sea tenure systems and not open access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Conservation and resource utilization were linked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– The culture developed from a long oceanic, island tradition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Sacred Periods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kapu-Ku period honored the god Ku and was spent at
temple. No one planted or fished. After the Kapu-Ku was
abolished in 1819, the people found this period was good for planting and certain kinds of fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kapu-Kaloa period was spent worshiping the god
Kanaloa. Certain crops were planted, and certain kinds of
fishing were practiced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kapu-Kane period honored the god Kane, the giver of
life. Fishing and planting were restricted. On Lono, the night after Kane, prayers and observance were given to the god Lono and then food was prepared and offered to both gods. In months without Mauli, this kapu ends on the dawn of Muku.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unproductive Periods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u2018Ole periods in the Ho\u2018onui and Emi anahulu were
unproductive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Source: Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council<\/a>. (n.d.). Hawaiian Moon Phases and Traditional Resource Management<\/em>. https:\/\/www.wpcouncil.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Indigenous_Display-1.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2025 Hawaiian Lunar Calendar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n