Moon Observation Activity – Kahi o Ka Mahina
This is an activity of kilo (observation) towards the moon, an important and common Hawaiian practice.
(1) Either copy the two drawings below on your own paper, or print this page out to complete the activity.
(2) For the act of kilo (observation), you may have to wait until night-time. Can you observe the moon in the sky? Is it rising near the eastern horizon or the western horizon? Place a mark along the arc where you observe the moon in the sky.
SOURCE: KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL
(3) Use the circle below to draw the moon as you see it. Be as detailed as possible
SOURCE: KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL
(4) Now that you have observed the moon, can you tell what lunar phase and week it is in? Write the answers on your piece of paper. Go back to the Introduction if you need to remind yourself of the names.
Ke Kinona – Lunar Phase _______________
Ke Anahulu – Lunar Week _______________
(5) Now that you know what lunar phase and lunar week you are in, it is time to learn the importance of that moon. Write a few sentences on the meaning of the moon and its importance for Hawaiian culture. For example, what does the name mean? Does this lunar phase usually correlate with good or bad fishing? You may want to use The Kohala Center as a research source.
(6) Upload your completed product as an attachment below!