Just like human vacationers, whales travel thousands of miles with their families to the tropical coasts of Hawaii. Residents are overjoyed to greet the whales each year, and Hawaiian natives celebrate their arrival with a warm welcome. The deep connections between the culture and whales has transformed the animals into powerful Hawaiian symbols.
Cultural Connection
The strong spiritual connections native Hawaiians have with all forms of life can be seen in their traditions and cultural symbols. Hawaiian creation stories describe an undeniable bond between the people and the environment in which they live.
The phrase aumakua, formed from the words for traveling (au) and ancestors (makua), refers to the ancestral spirits who watch over families and protect villages. In the Hawaiian culture, it is believed that the ancestors' spirits take the form of animals such as whales and appear to their descendants to provide spiritual guidance. These appearances form a strong connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Hawaiian Name for Whales
Hawaiians have a special term for whales as sacred Hawaiian symbols, Kohola, which refers to both humpback whales and the flat reefs that resemble the profile of swimming whales. From a distance, the spray of the waves on the reef and the spray from the whale’s blowhole look very similar.
Indulge in Hawaiian Culture with Whale Watching
In Kauai, whale watching is an excellent way for visitors to share the deep connection Hawaiians feel with these magnificent animals. Observers have the option to stay dry on shore or take part in an offshore excursion. Both options offer an excellent chance to witness these massive marine mammals as they swim through the warm Hawaiian waters. Popular spots in Kauai to whale watch are Poipu Beach Park and the Kilauea Point Lighthouse, which is officially designated as a humpback whale marine sanctuary.
Call Kauai Vacation Rentals to Witness the Beauty of These Hawaiian Symbols!
At Kauai Vacation Rentals, we want all of our guests to experience the natural beauty and ancient cultures of Hawaii! We can’t wait to share our love of Hawaii’s traditional food, art, music and the natural wonder of our whales returning to the island waters each year. Contact us today to book your next vacation!