Mahina is a living clock.  She tells us what time it is.  She has around 30 names.  Her names tell us what she is doing.  Each name describes her shape.  The amount of light she holds creates these shapes.  In turn, these shapes create a cycle of light that grows through the ho‘onui Moons, becomes round during the poepoe Moons, and wanes during the ho‘ēmi Moons.

Today this cycle is described as lunar.  Traditionally it was described as a malama. The malama cycle is one of light.  This light can be seen as a “lama” or torch that “mālamalama” or shines.  So her malama is like a shining torch in the night sky.