Makana facts for kids
Makana is a special mountain on the northern shore of Kauaʻi, an island in Hawaii. It stands about 340 meters (1,115 feet) tall above the beautiful Limahuli Valley.
The name Makana comes from the Hawaiian language. It means "gift" or "reward." You might even hear it used as a person's name!
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What is Makana Mountain?
Makana Mountain is part of a stunning landscape. Below it, you'll find the Limahuli Garden and Preserve. This area helps protect the valley's unique plants and animals.
Makana Mountain is also famous for being featured in the 1958 movie South Pacific. In the film, it was called "Bali Haʻi," a name many people still use today!
The Ancient Fire-Throwing Ceremony
Makana Mountain was one of only two places in ancient Hawaii where a very special fire-throwing ceremony called ʻōahi took place.
Why Was the Ceremony Held?
The ʻōahi ceremony was a huge celebration! It happened on important occasions, like:
- When students graduated from a hālau hula (a school for hula dancing) at Kēʻē.
- When an aliʻi (a high chief or royal leader) visited.
How the Fire-Throwing Worked
On the day of the ceremony, skilled firethrowers would climb the steep cliffs of Makana Mountain. They carried light, dry logs from special trees like pāpala or hau.
When night came, they would set the logs on fire. Then, they would hurl the burning logs out over the ocean! Strong winds, called ridge lifts, hit the mountain's cliffs. These winds kept the fiery logs floating high in the air. They could even soar as far as 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) out to sea! The night sky would fill with sparks and fiery torches, creating long, glowing arcs of light. Because of this amazing sight, Makana Mountain is sometimes called "Fireworks Cliff."
Catching the Firebrands
People in canoes would gather in the ocean below Makana. They tried to catch the flaming embers as they fell. It was considered very brave and honorable to catch a burning log. Those who succeeded would often mark themselves with a small burn to remember the special event. If a couple caught a firebrand together, they would both make the same mark. This showed their love and commitment to each other.
When Did the Ceremony End?
The ʻōahi ceremony stopped in the 1800s. The very last ceremony was held to honor Queen Emma.
