Features of the Punakea

​

According to the Hawaiian-English dictionaries, this is the definition o this type of rainbow:[1]

​

Pukui/Elbert:       n. A barely visible rainbow.  

 

Primary trait:             A faint rainbow 

Secondary trait:        A dim rainbow 

                                 A rainbow with a majority white color

​

                          A punakea (na Hoaloha Westcott).                                                               

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​​​

Much care is required when researching the punakea because this word also has another definition. Namely, the white sand that a high surf throws up on the beach.[2] The color of the punakea is perhaps obvious due to itʻs name, punakea, kea meaning white. Therefore, it is very similar to the ānuenue keʻokeʻo.

​

In the view of one source, the white rainbow is often seen above Maunakea and is called punakea.[3] Other sources that verify this view have not been found at this time.

​

The strata that the punakea appears

​​

Since the punakea a dim rainbow, it perhaps appears in the same strata as the full arching rainbow, namely the lewa lani, the lewa nuʻu, and a portion of the lewa lani lewa.

​

The times that the punakea appear

​

From the scientific perspective, the colors of the rainbow depend on the diameter of the water drops in the sky. When the punakea is seen, mist is in the air.  What is the month that the punakea is often seen? In the view of one source, it is often seen in the month of ʻIkuwa (October-November). This is a month of thunder, lightning, and roaring surf.[4] 

​

The signs/omens of the punakea

​​

The appearance of the punakea in the traditional Hawaiian stories is rare. Only one example was found within the story of Kawelo, a sign of the eventual return of a ruler/monarch/extraordinary being/god/demigod.[5]

​

 

[1] Wehewehe Wikiwiki. n.d. Ke Kulanui o Hawaiʻi ma Hilo. https://hilo.hawaii.edu/wehe/. (Pukui/Elbert).

[2] k.l.

[3] Kuʻulei Kanahele, ua nīnauele ʻia e Hoaloha Westcott. 2021. (Pepeluali 2).

[4] J.M. Poepoe 1906. "Moolelo Hawaii Kahiko." Ka Nai Aupuni, Okatoba 29: 1.

[5] Hoʻoulumāhiehie. 2009. Ka Moʻolelo Hiwahiwa o Kawelo. Edited by Hiapo Perreira. Honolulu, HI: Bishop Museum Press., ʻaoʻao 222.