The Hawaiian month of ʻIkuwā (September 22 - October 21) has begun, its name meaning “noisy, clamorous, loud-voiced,” which is a fitting description for the weather we can see in our skies. As we transition from Mahoe Hope to ʻIkuwā, that same sky is full of stars that served as important navigational aids, as well as omens, portents, and signs. Leilehua Yuen, Gemini Observatory’s Hawaiʻi Culture and Language Resident, is sharing their stories and guiding us through the moʻolelo of the ʻIkuwā constellations. 

The night sky is full of stories, lessons, and wisdom that have been passed down for generations. During the Hawaiian month of Māhoe Hope (August 24 - September 21), we can see stories like that of Humu, a hoʻokele (steersman), and his two sons come to life above us. Leilehua Yuen, Gemini Observatory’s Hawaiʻi Culture and Language Resident, shares this story and more, guiding us through the moʻolelo of the constellations.