“Malu ke kula, ʻaʻohe keʻu pueo; The plain is quiet, not even the hoot of an owl is heard” (All is at peace). – ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #2130.
Pueo (Asio flammeus sandwichensis), Hawaiʻi’s endemic short-eared owl, holds a special place in the hearts of Kānaka Maoli as both an akua and ʻaumakua.
Revered for its spiritual significance, pueo is often seen as a protector and guide, linked to ceremonial magic, saviors from death, and helpers in times of war.
Unlike its continental relatives, the pueo is more of a generalist, thriving in diverse ecosystems from wet native rainforests to dry shrublands across all the Hawaiian Islands.
This resilient raptor preys opportunistically on different kinds of ʻiole (rats), manu (birds), and moʻo (lizards), further establishing pueo as a cultural and ecological keystone species. Though considered diurnal, recent research shows pueo is an active night hunter.
Habitat loss and widespread rodenticide use pose significant threats to pueo. However, indigenous agroforestry is suggested as a way to bring this beautiful and revered native owl back to areas where they were once known.
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