NAMES OF THE 'OLE MOONS

Ho'onui Anahulu (the waxing/getting bigger phases)

• There are 4 'Ole Moons in this Anahulu.
• The 'Ole Moons begin on Night 7, beginning with "Hilo"(New Moon) as Night 1. 
• The names of the 4 'Ole Moons are:

'Ole Kukahi, 'Ole Kulua, 'Ole Kukolu, 'Ole Pau which literally means 'Nothing 1", Nothing 2, Nothing 3, and Nothing over.

• The traditional meaning and practice for these 'Ole Moons are:

"This is an unproductive time, for 'ole means 'nothing', without', 'unproductive'  The tides are dangerous and high.  The sea is rough and fishing is poor.  Some recommend that planting be minimal until 'ole pau which ends this unproductive period.

ANAHULU HO'EMI(The waning/diminishing phases)

• There are 3 'Ole Moons in this Anahulu.
• The 'Ole Moons begin on Night 21.
• The names of the 'Ole Moons are:

'Ole Kukahi, 'Ole Kulua, 'Ole Pau which literally means 'Nothing 1", Nothing 2, and Nothing over.

• The traditional meaning and practices for these 'Ole Moons are:

"First, second and last 'Ole nights.  This is a time that is not recommended for planting or fishing.  It is windy and tides will run high.  Farmers use this time for weedding.  'Ole pau and Kaloa Kukahi (the night following/Night 22) are the kapu (sacred) periods of the akua Kanaloa and Kaloa and offering are made with pule (prayer).


This is an excellent study guide hand-out that can be used again and again to familiarize yourself with the timing and names of the 'Ole Moon Phases.  Our focus in this month's study are the 'OLE MOONS, but the moons prior and after the 'Ole are the times of action, gathering, and moving forward with intention and appreciation.  Link to THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN MOON CALENDAR website for the full description of the 30 moon phases


How are the 'Ole Cyles (timing and traditional practices) similar or different from other forms of attuning, ie. astrology, tarot, wicca, shamanic teachings others?

***To continue with the workshop CLICK HERE to go to more on 'Ole Moons

Resource Credits:

Mahalo to the 'ohana who maintain The Native Hawaiian Moon Calendar for their traditional definitions and practices sited here.

Mahalo to Hui Malama O Ke Kai of Waimanalo, Oahu for the beautiful calendar of Anahulu used here, and in other sessions throughout this workshop.