Alerts
Courtesy: Mark Grandoni Current conditions were carefully observed to determine what activities could occur during the day or night. The rhythms of the earth align with movements of the sun and moon. These two influences affect tides, weather and other natural elements. Native Hawaiians were very in tune with nature. By the age of 6, a Hawaiian child could recite all the phases of the moon. To make your visit fit in with the natural environment, here are some tools to help you plan your experience on the trail. 
Photo: NPS HALE Sunrise & Sunset The sun begins and ends the daylight hours. Plan your days around the instant at which the upper edge of the Sun appears in the east (kahikina) in the morning and when it drops below the western horizon (komohana) in the afternoon. | |
Photo: I Hanohano Tide calendar Tides occur as a response to the gravitational attraction of the Sun and Moon and the rotation of Earth. They are a regular event on every coastline and their timing is predictable. Their occurrence is of great importance to all marine activities, including the natural daily flooding and drying of coastal wetlands, where animals and plants have evolved to thrive in these unique environments. These ocean movements shift according to the weather, time of day and season of the year. High and low tides can define what you may want to do onshore or offshore. | |
Photo courtesy: NASA Hawaiian moon calendar The moon’s appearance changes over time. As a convenient timepiece that affects tidal variations and plants and animals, it also is a guide in the night sky. Fisherman, astronomers and those who need to know or are just curious look up to see what phase the moon is in. Each phase of the moon was named by the Hawaiians.
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Last updated: June 10, 2016