The Sacred ʻIo
"He ʻio au, ʻaʻohe lālā kau ʻole"
I am a hawk, there is no branch on which I cannot perch
Discover the profound cultural significance of Hawaiʻi's endemic hawk in Native Hawaiian traditions, spirituality, and identity.
In Hawaiian tradition, the ʻio (Hawaiian hawk, Buteo solitarius) holds a place of profound reverence and spiritual significance. More than just a bird of prey, the ʻio embodies the essence of royalty, wisdom, and divine connection in Native Hawaiian culture.
The ʻio is symbolic of aliʻi (royalty) due to its majestic soaring flight and commanding presence in the heavens. In moʻolelo (stories and legends), ʻio are often portrayed as teachers, judges, and protectors, compared to the highest chiefs and revered as manifestations of spiritual power.
"He ʻio au, he manu i ka lewa lani."
I am an ʻio, the bird that soars in the heavenly space.
Symbol of Royalty
The ʻio's graceful flight through the "heavenly space" (ka lewa lani) made it a natural metaphor for aliʻi (chiefs and royalty) in Hawaiian culture. Just as the hawk soars above the land with authority and grace, so too did the aliʻi hold their elevated position in Hawaiian society.
The ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb) "He ʻio au, ʻaʻohe lālā kau ʻole" (I am a hawk, there is no branch on which I cannot perch) speaks to the confidence, adaptability, and authority associated with both the ʻio and Hawaiian royalty. This saying reflects the ability to navigate any situation with skill and dignity.
In moʻolelo, ʻio are frequently portrayed as wise teachers and fair judges, characteristics highly valued in aliʻi. Their keen vision, patience in hunting, and territorial nature mirror the qualities expected of great leaders who must see clearly, act decisively, and protect their people.
Royal Attributes
Soaring Flight
Commands the sky with grace and authority
Keen Vision
Sees clearly from great heights, like wise leaders
Territorial Nature
Fiercely protects domain and family
Adaptability
Thrives in diverse environments with skill
ʻIo as ʻAumakua
The ʻio serves as an ʻaumakua (family guardian and ancestral spirit) to many Hawaiian families
An ʻaumakua is a family or personal god in Hawaiian spirituality—a deified ancestor who takes the form of an animal, plant, or natural phenomenon to guide, protect, and empower their descendants. The ʻaumakua relationship is deeply personal and sacred, passed down through generations.
For families who claim the ʻio as their ʻaumakua—including the Kamehameha family—harming or killing the hawk was strictly kapu (forbidden). The ʻio watches over its descendants, appearing at significant moments to provide guidance, warnings, or confirmation that one is on the right path.
Keani Kaleimamahu
ʻŌlohe Lua Practitioner and Teacher from Puna
"My family goes to an ʻio, a certain hawk, a certain name. I believe that our beloved can be kākūʻai (transfigured) into the family lineage of our kūpuna."
During a family interment ceremony, Kaleimamahu witnessed a spiritual manifestation. The next morning, a young ʻio appeared near the family home and has remained in the area, growing stronger. He believes this ʻio represents his deceased relative, transformed into their ancestral spiritual form.
John Keawe
Grammy Award-Winning Kī Hōʻalu Guitarist from Kohala
"I was on my knees in our vegetable garden and I see [a] shadow next to me. I looked up and saw this ʻio with a huge wingspan about 30 feet above me. We made eye contact for about 20 seconds and I got chicken skin."
"I don't know if I adopted him as my ʻaumakua or he adopted me. But ever since, I always see him and I feel a sense of peace. This bird is royalty. They are so powerful. This ʻio survives by itself and you can see the strength. So it gives me strength."
Kalena Blakemore
Legacy Land Agent for Office of Hawaiian Affairs from Puna
"ʻKiaʻi ka ʻio i kāna mau pua' is a metaphor I conceived regarding my relationship to the ʻio. It means the 'hawk guards and protects their children.'"
"The ʻio is my ʻaumakua and often appears when I'm at a crossroad and needing direction, guidance or simple confirmation that I'm on the right track. The presence of ʻio represents my ancestors watching over me."
William "Yama" Chillingworth
Retired State Judge and Photographer
"I was just looking for a connection with my mother's family. The ʻio came to me and gave me instructions about what I was supposed to be doing. Of course I feel the ʻio is an ʻaumakua."
After moving to Kohala to research his Hawaiian ancestry, Chillingworth discovered his ʻohana were feather workers from the Hāmākua coast. He spends his days at Pololū Valley photographing ʻio: "They like that habitat, lots of tall trees and drinking water. I see them every day. And occasionally I call to them. And occasionally they call back to me."
Kinolau of the Deity Uli
In Hawaiian cosmology, the ʻio is considered by some to be a kinolau (body form) of the deity Uli. A kinolau is a physical manifestation of a god or goddess—the form they take when appearing in the natural world.
Uli is a powerful goddess associated with sorcery, healing, and esoteric knowledge. She is known for her wisdom, magical abilities, and role as a teacher of sacred arts. The connection between Uli and the ʻio reflects the hawk's perceived intelligence, mystical qualities, and role as a teacher in moʻolelo.
The Intelligence of the ʻIo
The intelligence displayed by the hawk in Hawaiian stories may account for beliefs about the superior intellect of the ʻio. In moʻolelo, ʻio are often portrayed as teachers or judges, compared to the highest chiefs, reflecting their association with wisdom and divine knowledge.
Sacred Color Phases
The ʻio's color variations held special meaning in Hawaiian culture
ʻIo Mea
Light or blonde phase. Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena Pukuʻi referred to ʻio mea as the "sacred one."
ʻIo ʻEhu
Reddish or russet phase. The intermediate coloration between light and dark forms.
ʻIo Uli
Dark phase. Likely the most venerated, consistent with Hawaiian preference for dark ceremonial offerings like puaʻa hiwa (black pig).
Cultural Note: The veneration of ʻio uli (dark hawk) aligns with the highly preferred Hawaiian ceremonial offerings of dark-colored sacred items: puaʻa hiwa (black pig), niu hiwa (dark coconut), and ʻawa hiwa (dark-skinned ʻawa). Dark colors were associated with spiritual power and connection to the divine.
ʻIo in Moʻolelo
In Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories, legends, and oral traditions), the ʻio appears as a powerful and wise figure. These stories often portray the hawk as:
Teachers and Guides
ʻIo in stories often serve as teachers who impart important lessons about patience, observation, and strategic thinking. Their hunting behavior—watching, waiting, and striking at the perfect moment—offers lessons in timing and wisdom.
Judges and Arbiters
The ʻio's keen vision and elevated perspective made it a natural symbol for fair judgment. From their high vantage point, they can see the full picture—a quality essential for just leadership and decision-making.
Protectors and Warriors
The ʻio's fierce territorial defense and protective nature toward their young made them symbols of guardianship. They teach the importance of defending what matters while maintaining grace and dignity.
Living Wisdom
The teachings embedded in ʻio moʻolelo remain relevant today. They remind us to observe carefully before acting, to protect what we hold sacred, to lead with wisdom and fairness, and to maintain our connection to ʻāina (land) and ancestors.
Honoring the Sacred ʻIo
For families who claim the ʻio as their ʻaumakua, harming or killing the hawk was—and remains—strictly kapu (forbidden). This sacred relationship demands respect, protection, and reverence.
Today, as we work to protect the ʻio from modern threats, we honor these ancient traditions. Whether or not the ʻio is your ʻaumakua, respecting this sacred bird means respecting Hawaiian culture, spirituality, and the deep connections between people and place.
"Killing ʻio is very wrong. It steps on traditions—it's almost like destroying our ancestral lineage. It's very disrespectful to our people."
— Keani Kaleimamahu, ʻŌlohe Lua Practitioner