Nane ʻĀpana: ʻOhana Hōkū

Our puzzles honor four major Hawaiian star lines, each rich in cultural meaning and navigational insight:

Ke Kā o Makaliʻi – “The Canoe Bailer of Makaliʻi”
Marks the start of the Makahiki season. This curved line of five stars stretches from north to south, resembling a canoe bailer in the sky.

Ka ʻIwikuamoʻo – “The Backbone”
A vertical line including Hōkūpaʻa (North Star) and Hanaiakamalama (Southern Cross), offering stability and orientation.

Ka Makau Nui o Māui – “The Great Fishhook of Māui”
This star line honors the legendary demigod Māui, symbolizing exploration, leadership, and cleverness. Shaped like a fishhook embedded in the Milky Way, it outlines a region called Iʻa (Fish) or Iʻa-lele-i-aka (Fish Leaping in Shadows), a powerful image for wayfinding.

Ka Lupe a Kawelo – “The Kite of Kawelo”
Representing strength, courage, and resilience, this star line reflects the voyaging spirit of Kawelo. It serves as a celestial reminder of boldness and the legacy of navigating across the open sea.