We saw a green flash at dawn in Kaaawa on Saturday even though the sun rose from behind the island of Molokai rather than rising across a clear horizon, where the green flash can usually be seen. I think we have seen this green flash over land only one other time.

The sun appears from behind Molokai only for a few weeks each year, around the time of the Winter Solstice.

In the top photo, taken a couple of minutes before the sun came into view, you can see the rays of light hitting clouds behind and above the island at the point where the sun is going to appear.

The bottom photo was taken just after the green flash.

With Kualoa having so much spiritual force in traditional times, I can’t help thinking that this alignment, coming at the Winter Solstice, must have attracted attention and been given significance.

Anybody know whether that’s really the case?