Hawaii is Rainbow Capital of World

 

Nature’s Artwork on Display!

 

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Wouldn't it be nice to find a Leprechaun pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Rather than looking in Ireland’s Emerald Isle, though, your chances of finding one might be better in another isle – Hawaii! 

 

Rainbows are so prevalent in Hawaii that it has earned itself the title Rainbow Capital of the World.

These beautiful displays of nature are a key part of island lore and deeply rooted in the culture with some 20 different names for rainbow in the Hawaiian language. Anuenue, Uakolo, Lehopulu, Hakahakaea are just a few. 

 

Frequently represented in Hawaiian arts and crafts, the rainbow has been depicted in many ways as in this painting by renowned local artist Heather Brown.  

 

Seeing a rainbow is a good omen, a sign of hope, promise and beauty. It not only foretells good luck, but many Hawaiians believe the rainbow is a pathway to heaven, bringing people closer to their ancestors. 

 

Anuenue, the rainbow goddess and a primary Hawaiian deity, is said to traverse the skies in the form of a rainbow, bringing messages from the gods. 

Rainbows appear when sunlight passes through raindrops, refracting the light into its separate colors and forming a multi-color arc.

Hawaii's location in the Pacific Ocean with its sunny days and trade winds bringing frequent light showers results in an abundance of rainbows.

A beautiful blend of mythology and meteorology, Hawaii's rainbows give us a visual representation of our hopes and dreams – something that may be even more valuable than Leprechaun gold. 

 

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.