There is only one member of this group, namely the kāhili rainbow. However, there is perhaps another member of this rainbow group that was found in the lines of a chant. This is a genealogical chant that was written by S.M. Kamakau. Here are the relevant lines of the chant:​

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“…5. Ke anuenue ku a Kanaloa,

Ke kupu eu nana i hele ka aina…”[1]

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The rainbow of Kanaloa, perhaps it is a standing shaft rainbow. However, it was not found in any other source that was analyzed for this project. The primary trait of this rainbow is perhaps a rainbow that stands and is pointing from the land to the heavens.​

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An ānuenue kū a Kanaloa (na Hoaloha Westcott)

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Ke Kāhili

 

The features of the kāhili

 

According to the Hawaiian-English dictionaries, this is the definition o this type of rainbow:[2]

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Pukui/Elbert:      1. nvt. Feather standard, symbolic of royalty; segment of a rainbow             standing like a shaft (also a sign of royalty); 

 

Primary trait:             A rainbow standing straight up 

Secondary trait:        A rainbow with the majority of the colors

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                                                                                        A Kāhili (na Ezlez | commons.wikimedia.org)

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The kāhili appears very rarely, and therefore photographing it is difficult. The straightness of the shaft of the rainbow is the rare sight.[3] Therefore the photographs above may or may not be correct. However, in the opinion of one source, the kāhili appears tall over the land only, and it is can have a small arc to it.[4]

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The strata that the kāhili appear

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If it is true that the kāhili is tall, then perhaps it can stretch into the lewa lani lewa, and into the lewa nuʻu.

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The times that the kāhili appear

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If the kāhili can stretch into the lewa nuʻu, then according to western science, the sun would need to be low. Namely, between the Kahikikepapanuʻu and the Kahikikepapalani. However, from the Hawaiian perspective, the appearance of the various types of rainbows is not restricted by the position of the sun.[5]

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The signs/omens of the kāhili

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There were 2 signs/omens found in the analyzed sources. Namely an omen/prediction, and the residence of a ruler/monarch/extraordinary being or spirit. See the Hawaiian side of this website for examples.

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[1] S.M. Kamakau,1868. "He Mau Mele Koihonua a me Nā Mele No Kauilanuimakehaikalanikamaialii." Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Okatoba 10: 1.

[2] Ua unuhi ʻia nā wehewehena o nā ʻano ānuenue i ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi no kēia papahana laeoʻo. E nānā ʻia ka māhele 1.1.1 no kekahi hoʻākaaka ʻana.

[3] Ipo Wong, ua nīnauele ʻia e Hoaloha Westcott. 2021. (Pepeluali 23).

[4] Kimokea Keaulana, ua nīnauele ʻia e Hoaloha Westcott. 2021. (ʻApelila 19).

[5] Māhealani Pai, ua nīnauele ʻia e Hoaloha Westcott. 2024. ʻIke ānuenue (Mei 14).

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