Summary: In traditional Hawaiian time-keeping the year is framed by two main seasons—Kau (dry/hot) and Hoʻōilo (wet/cool)—with the celebrated multi-month festival of Makahiki marking transition and renewal. These cycles guided agriculture, fishing, and ceremony based on celestial and ecological cues.
Seasonal Division: Kau & Hoʻōilo
Ancient Hawaiians recognized two primary seasons: Kau, the hot, dry months of late spring through summer; and Hoʻōilo, the cooler, wetter period from late fall through winter.
Kau began when the star cluster Makaliʻi (Pleiades) set in the dawn sky, marking drier soils and the shift toward coastal harvests. Hoʻōilo began with the return of storms and stronger surf, when communities turned inland for repair and planting work.
The Makahiki Interval: Cycle of Renewal
The Makahiki season ran roughly from mid-November through late January or February, beginning when Makaliʻi rose at sunset. It was a time of peace, tribute, and games dedicated to Lono, god of agriculture and rainfall. Warfare was forbidden, offerings (hoʻokupu) were made, and communities renewed strength through ceremony and sport.
Why These Seasons Matter
The two-season pattern mirrors environmental reality—winds, rainfall, surf, and plant growth all change cyclically. Gardeners timed planting after early Hoʻōilo rains, while fishers favored deep-sea voyages during late Kau’s calm seas. Celestial signs anchored these shifts, reinforcing a worldview aligned with land and ocean systems.
Applying the Knowledge Today
- Watch the stars: Track Makaliʻi rising at dusk to note the start of Hoʻōilo and Makahiki.
- Observe local signals: Surf height, rainfall, and vegetation mark seasonal boundaries.
- Plan by pattern: Align farming, fishing, and restoration efforts with natural timing to enhance yield and sustainability.
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