Makana
Makana is a mountain located on northern shore of the island of Kauaʻi, where it rises 1,115 feet (340 m) above Limahuli Valley.[1] Makana is a Hawaiian language term meaning gift or reward.[2] It is often used as a person's name or as part of a name. Limahuli Garden and Preserve preserves the valley below.[3] It was featured in the 1958 film adaptation of the musical South Pacific as Bali Haʻi and is known by that name .[4]
Makana Mountain is one of only two locations where the fire-throwing ceremony, ʻōahi, was performed in
People in canoes would crowd the ocean below Makana, trying to catch the firebrands. It was considered heroic to catch the flaming embers, and those who succeeded would often mark themselves with the fire in honor of the occasion. Couples who caught the firebrands would both mark themselves in the same way, as a sign of love and commitment.[citation needed]
The practice ended in the 19th century, with the last ceremony having been in honor of
References
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Makana
- University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
- ^ a b "Take a tour of the Limahuli Garden!". Limahuli Garden and Preserve. National Tropical Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ^ Jeanne Cooper (March 27, 2009). "'Bali Hai' still calling visitors to Hawaii". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
- University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
- University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
22°13′5″N 159°34′47″W / 22.21806°N 159.57972°W
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