In the beginning of this past month of Ikiiki, we saw awesome mauka and makai observations of the wedding flower (Stephanotis floribunda) and Noni blooming mauka in Mānoa, Oʻahu and bleached manauea looking limu floating in small mats and bunches in makai in Kona, Oʻahu. We also had observations of extreme kai emi (low-tide) in Keaukaha, Hawaiʻi, revealing the awesome hale iʻa built by the Keaukaha community in Loko Iʻa Honokea and also pahaha (pīʻā sized mullet) congregating in the pond. Closing off the anahulu hoʻonui, makai we saw manini, kole and māʻiʻiʻi spawning in great numbers. Puaʻama were also seen recruiting along the shoreline in Heʻeia, Oʻahu. Mauka we see the native pōpoloʻaiakeakua and ʻalaʻalawainui flowering.
Starting off the anahulu hoʻonui, makai we see manini still spawning, some of the larger ‘aholehole are still carrying eggs though most are pau, spiny lobsters are carrying eggs. Mauka, male flower buds on numerous mai’a are emerging, fruit of Malay variety mountain apple are beginning to mature while local ohi’a ‘ai are still flowering, kalo and other veggies showing vigorous growth. On the moon of Hua, which means seed, egg, productivity, in Waiākea Waena the mango, lychee & mountain apple trees are producing fruit. Lehua, mamo, gardenia and pinafore are blooming profusely. The ocean is calm in Hilo and we notice that all of our Kolea birds are gone. At the end of this anahulu hoʻonui we see Kōlea putting out pink liko and ʻōhiʻa is starting to wind down its flowering season and beginning to form seeds
Now to our final anahulu of the month of Ikiiki, hoʻemi. Itʻs Lychee season!! A few early season Kaimana lychee are just about ready to harvest. Groff lychee are much more delayed, with green fruits still very small. Avocado cultivars such as Kahalu’u, Malama, and Sharwil are carrying fruit that are golf ball-sized and larger. Other varieties such as Yamagata, Ota, and Murashige are carrying fruit as well, but are much more delayed in their development. Makai, bubble snails are floating about and seahares are aggregating to mate. Moi and aholehole are gathering in that calm waters in the west and north of the island of the Oahu. The easterly winds are yet to return making the ocean great for fishing. We also saw Alae Ula at Loko Ea fish pond. After years of absence this endemic manu has returned to this loko iʻa this month. Rounding off this anahulu hoʻemi and also this month we see maiʻa beginning to fruit in Olaʻa, Hawaiʻi, and makai the ocean provides nice high tides for us all to cleanse and reset for this next month. #hiloiaapaa
Moon Phase Project 