Ka Punakea
(The barely visible rainbow)
According to the Hawaiian-English dictionaries, this is the definition o this type of rainbow:
Pukui/Elbert: n. A barely visible rainbow.
Photo by: Hoaloha Westcott
Photo by: Hoaloha Westcott
Unverified Photos: These photos demonstrate this type of rainbow based on the authorʻs understanding of the dictionary definitions, context within some Hawaiian legends, newspaper articles, and Hawaiian language recordings. They are not definitive.
Signs and omens
This is the type of rainbow that is called a Punakea - white rainbow. It is often seen above Maunakea.
The Hawaiian month names were different in the past. These month names were called the native month names. Ikuwa is one of the native months. The reason that this month was called Ikuwa was published in one of the Hawaiian language newspapers (Poepoe 1906). Here is the paragraph from that article:
"Ikuwa - Ikuwa, the man, Paaikaiaualewa, the women, born was a big voiced person. This is a month that the storms rise; this is Ikuwaikepohakoeleele. The thunder claps, the lightning flashes, the big surf thrusts, the punakea stands.
According to the legends This type of rainbow did not appear in the legends that were analyzed.
When does it appear
The Punakea can often be seen in the months of October and November, however it can also be seen in the other months.
Photo by: Hoaloha Westcott