Rainbows: A Cultural and Natural Treasure of Hawaii
Hawaii is renowned for its glorious weather comprising abundant sunshine sprinkled with brief rain showers, creating ideal conditions for the formation of rainbows. A professor from the University of Hawaii has even dubbed the state the “rainbow capital of the world.” Currently, the islands are in their winter rainy season, significantly increasing the likelihood of spotting this captivating phenomenon.
The presence of rainbows is so common in Hawaii that they have become emblematic of island culture. They can be seen depicted on various structures, including buildings and public buses, and are even featured on the state’s vehicle license plates. Sport teams at the University of Hawaii proudly carry the name of rainbows as part of their identity.
“One can’t help but feel a sense of hope and new beginnings upon catching a glimpse of a rainbow,” expresses Liane Usher, president of the Children’s Discovery Center in Honolulu, where rainbows adorn the center’s exterior and exploration zones. “I always smile whenever I see a rainbow following the rain.”
For those looking to observe rainbows, it’s important to note that they are formed through the refraction of sunlight by raindrops, creating a beautiful spectrum of colors. The best chances to see them are during conditions that feature both sunshine and rainfall at the same time, with rainbows appearing opposite the sun. They are often more striking in the early morning and late afternoon when the sun is positioned lower in the sky.
According to Steven Businger, an atmospheric sciences professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the trade winds in the region frequently bring light showers interspersed with breaks of blue sky, allowing sunlight to create vibrant rainbows. The clarity of the air in Hawaii plays a significant role as well, as places with more air pollutants often produce obscured rainbows. The rainy season extending from October to April further enhances visibility and vibrancy, leading Businger to assert, “Hawaii has perhaps the most spectacular rainbows on Earth.”
In addition to natural beauty, rainbows hold deep cultural significance in Native Hawaiian traditions, symbolizing divine power. Sam ‘Ohu Gon III, a senior scientist and cultural adviser at The Nature Conservancy in Hawaii, explains that rainbows are viewed as representations of K?ne, one of the four principal Hawaiian gods. In folk tales, proximity to a rainbow implies closeness to supernatural forces or powerful figures.
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, an educator and cultural practitioner, interprets rainbows as a sign of “aumakua,” representing ancestral spirits. She shares, “When loved ones depart this life, they may express their presence through signs like rainbows, reminding us that we are watched over and loved.”
The usage of rainbow imagery has permeated various aspects of Hawaiian life. The men’s athletic teams are known as the Rainbow Warriors while the women’s teams are called Rainbow Wahine, with “Wahine” meaning women in Hawaiian dialect. The athletic program’s connection to rainbows traces back to New Year’s Day 1924, when a rainbow was sighted during a crucial game, leading media to nickname the team the Rainbows.
Though the Hawaii football team dropped the “Rainbow” label in 2000 due to concerns regarding its connotation with LGBTQ+ issues, the school reinstated the name in 2013 after community encouragement.
Climate change’s potential impact on rainbows has garnered attention from researchers. Kimberly Carlson, who had previously researched at Manoa and now serves as a professor at New York University, investigated how environmental shifts might affect rainbow occurrences. Her studies suggest that regions like Brazil and the Mediterranean may experience a decline in rainbows by the year 2100. Conversely, areas shifting from snow to increased rainfall, such as Alaska, might see a rise in rainbows.
In Hawaii, while rainbows are expected to remain abundant, experts like Businger caution that prolonged dry spells could lead to fewer sightings especially on the drier, leeward sides of the islands, with places like Maui and the Big Island likely being more affected.
Businger believes the phenomenon is valuable to study, remarking, “Rainbows serve as a cultural cornerstone for the residents of Hawaii, prompting us to pause and appreciate the present moment.” Their unique beauty offers a rare escape from daily life’s hustle, inviting wonder and reflection on the significance of these magnificent arcs of color in the Hawaiian landscape.
