Owl at Pu'u Loa checking me out. About Pueo The Protector The Short-eared Brown Owl (Asio flammeus sandwicensis), also known as the Hawaiian Owl, or Pueo was present in Hawaii from before the arrival of the first Polynesians. Like everywhere else in the world, Hawaii gave the Owl a special place in its mythology. Pueo is sacred. Pueo doesn't signify only an Owl, but also denotes a taro variety, the staff of life. In addition it indicates shortness, the shroud of a canoe and the rocking of a child. Then there are expressions that use the word "pueo", such as "keiki a ka pueo" (child of an Owl whose father is not known), "ka pueo Kani Kaua" (the Owl who sings of war, the Owl as a protector in battle), "A no lani, a no honua" (the guardian Owl belongs to heaven and earth). .