Groundhog Day is celebrated in most (but not all) states in the continental U.S. The main celebration takes place every February 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The star of this celebration is a groundhog (a type of squirrel, also called a woodchuck) named Punxsutawney Phil. When Phil emerges from his lair, if it is sunny and he sees his shadow, he is “scared” back inside and there will be six more weeks of winter. If it is cloudy and he sees no shadow, spring will arrive early.
The tradition was established in colonial times and continues to this day despite no scientific proof that Philʻs prediction is accurate. Records indicate he is only correct 40% of the time. But it is a fun event and welcome harbinger of spring in a place where winters are cold.
In Hawai’i, the tradition makes no sense at all. We have no groundhogs as they are native only to North America. We do have several rodents, all of which were introduced and now cause great damage to native plant and animal species. Along with Hawaiʻi, 15 states across the nation forgo the Groundhog Day tradition. Another 34 states host similar celebrations with varmints of other types, such as opossum, prairie dogs, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, or other critters according to theavailable local wildlife.
Local wildlife in Hawaiʻi includes the endangered ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat), a species endemic to the islands. But she does not hibernate. Who would here? The weather is most agreeable all year. We have only two seasons: dry or summer (May-October) and wet or winter (November-April). So, the whole concept of more winter or early spring doesn’t really hold up.
Winter shifts our summertime northeasterly trade winds to southwesterly Kona winds, bringing more frequent rain and slightly lower temperatures. Therefore, in February, the hoary bat would expect Kona winds and continue business as usual. But there are many other signals in nature traditionally used by Hawaiians to determine when to fish or harvest or travel by canoe: length of days, stars in the sky, position of the sun, direction of the swell, plants in bloom.
Nevertheless, we have some good suggestions for enjoying the tradition of Groundhog Day.
- February of course is prime Humpback whale season. When and where to watch whales for free in Hawaiʻi (hawaiionthecheap.com)
- To find out what produce is in season, head to your nearest farmers market: Hawaiian Islands Farmers Markets (hawaiionthecheap.com)
- Tune in to nature at a botanical garden. 30 stunning botanical gardens you can visit in Hawai’i (hawaiionthecheap.com)
- A trip to the Honolulu Zoo is always a great family outing. For Groundhog Day. (We especially like the Twilight Tour.) More info: Oʻahu: All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo (hawaiionthecheap.com)
Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days across the Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
You might also like: Hawaiʻi on the Cheap – affordable living and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)
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