Hawaii: ‘Rainbow Capital’ of the world

• Hawaii is known as the "rainbow capital" of the world because of its natural beauty and unique weather. 
• Regular sunshine, light rain and clean air create ideal conditions for rainbows. 
• During the winter, when it rains more, the chances of seeing a rainbow are even higher.

Cultural significance of rainbows in Hawaii

• Rainbows in Hawaii are not just a natural phenomenon, but also an important part of local life and traditions.

Popularity and recognition

• Rainbow images can be seen on buildings, buses and license plates.
• The University of Hawaii sports teams are named "Rainbow Warriors" (men) and "Rainbow Wahine" (women).
• During a football match in 1924, the Hawaii team scored when a rainbow appeared, and "rainbows" have been part of Hawaiian sports ever since.

Native Hawaiian beliefs

• In Hawaiian culture, rainbows are considered a symbol of divine power and blessing.
• Hawaii has more than 20 names for the rainbow, reflecting its diversity.
• According to traditional belief, rainbows represent the presence of gods.
• According to Hawaiian cultural expert Hinaelemoana Wong-Kalu, rainbows symbolize "Aumakua" (family gods) and reflect the spiritual presence of loved ones.

Climate change and future rainbows

• New York University environmental studies professor Kimberly Carlson found that Brazil, the Mediterranean and central Africa will see fewer rainbows by 2100.
• Rainbows may increase in places that currently receive a lot of snowfall but will receive more rain in the future.
• Rainbows will remain abundant in Hawaii, but drought may decrease in some areas.
• Maui and the Big Island may be particularly hard hit by this change.

How are rainbows formed?

• The process of rainbow formation is related to the reflection, refraction and dispersion of light. 
• When small drops of rain are present in the air and sunlight falls on them, this white light gets divided into different colors and we see a rainbow. 

Reflection & Refraction of Light

• When the sun rays enter the water droplets, then:
• Refraction: Due to the difference in the density of water and air, when the light enters the water drop, it bends (refracts).
• Reflection: The light goes inside the drop and hits its inner surface and turns back.
• Refraction: When this light comes out from inside the drop, it bends again and splits into seven different colors.
• This process is like light passing through a prism, where white light splits into seven colors:

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet (VIBGYOR).

Effect of sun position

• The height of the sun matters a lot for seeing a rainbow:
• When the sun is near the horizon (in the morning and afternoon), the rainbow appears higher and larger.
• At noon, when the sun is overhead, the chances of a rainbow are less, because the light falls directly on the ground and does not make the right angle.
• Therefore, rainbows are most likely to appear in the morning or late afternoon.

Combination of both sunlight and rain

• Rain and sunshine must be present together for a rainbow to form.
• When there is light rain in the sky and the sun is shining, then only we see the rainbow.
• Rainbow always forms in the opposite direction of the sun, that is, if the sun is in the west, the rainbow will appear in the east.

Why are rainbows more formed in Hawaii?

• According to Professor Steven Businger of the University of Hawaii, Hawaii has ideal conditions for the formation of rainbows:
• Trade Winds: These winds regularly bring moisture, causing small spells of rain.
• Clean air: Hawaii's air is cleaner than other places, which reduces dust and pollution and rainbows are more bright and clear.
• Balance of rain and sunshine: Hawaii has a balanced amount of both rain and sunshine, which increases the chances of rainbow formation.