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In the sky above the Hawaiian archipelago the wondrous rainbows appear.  These rainbows are truly beautiful, however, what is the meaning and the concealed meaning of these mysterious things?

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One important meaning is the sign of the gods or royalty.  There are numerous stories and Hawaiian legends that contain rainbows.  In ancient times, the rainbow was a sign of the blessed ones and of prosperous times.  Some royal babies were born at the time rainbows appeared.  These babies became royalty, and in that way, their destiny, that was foretold by the rainbow, was fulfilled.  Some aliʻi were followed by the rainbow for their entire lives.

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The rainbow signs were often interpreted by priests but they were also understood by families and individuals.  Family interpretations were handed down from each generation.  The interpretation was often a blend of historical legend and personal interpretation.  According to Kawena Pukui, "The rainbow right in front of one could mean "go back".  There is danger ahead, or it might mean that somebody close and loved is going to die. Or that an aliʻi had died and is returning and is rejoining his ʻaumākua.  Or that some kind of separation is going to happen. Or, a rainbow appearing just as a baby is born could mean this is an especially blessed baby."  A rainbow can also mean supernatural approval.

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The rainbow also carries conflicting symbolism.  Some people see it as a sign of death or disaster, while others see it as a sign of good fortune.

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An example of a sign of bad luck can be seen in this poetical saying:

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"Here is a sign of ill luck, for the red-eyed bright-hued one rests above."

 

Said when a rainbow appears before the path of one who was on a business journey. Such a rainbow is regarded the same as meeting a red-eyed person-a sign of bad luck. Better to turn around and go home

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Some meanings from various sources: 

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According to Joseph Nāwahī, in talking about the appearance of rainbows:

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The explanation of the genuine true source and interpreting, the understood customs about the rainbow that the mana of the gods placed in the blue vault of heaven; it is one of the native knowledge foundations that was reliable in the knowing spirit that the gods gave to man, as a way to help i his native understanding of the very exalted grand mana of the gods (Nāwāhī, 1893).

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According to some medical practiioners, the presence (of a rainbow) is a good thing.

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These meanings are found in the stories/legends that were analyzed for this project:

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The presence of an Aliʻi/akua
The impending arrival of an Aliʻi 
The presence of an Aliʻi living in the sun 
The departing of an aliʻi
A rainbow path to the moon/sky/cliff
A prophecy or foretelling
The fulfilling of a prophecy
The wrapping of an Aliʻi in a rainbow 
An appropriate time to return/go
Pointing to the path of an Aliʻi
A dwelling of an extraordinary being
A metaphor for an aliʻi

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