The rising of Makaliʻi (the constellation Pleiades) at sunset marks the beginning of the Hawaiian new year, known as Makahiki. Makahiki usally begins mid-November and ends in late January or February, aligning with the rainy season. It is a time set aside for tribute, harvest, sport, and play.

How long is Makahiki season?

The Makahiki season is a four-month period of the year, beginning with the first sighting of the makali`i (the constellation Pleiades) in late October or early November on the horizon. As the year's harvest was gathered, tribute in the form of goods and produce were given to the chiefs from November through December.

How do you celebrate Makahiki?

However, unlike most other global holidays, early Hawaiians celebrated the Makahiki for a full four months by distributing food, playing games and enjoying a long period of peacefulness.