The Makalena is the largest of the north Pacific albatrosses and was once thought to be extinct. Due to the differences within the juvenile and adult stages, a name was given to each. Makalena refers to the physical features of the adultshort-tailed albatross that is reflected in the “lena” (yellowish hue) that is seen around the “maka” (eyes). Maka also refers to the blossoming, transitioning, and blooming which are reflected in the physical changes the Short-tailed albatross experiences from its juvenile to adult growth stages.Ka‘upu‘ākala is for the juvenile of this species, which is similar in appearance and references the ka‘upu, the adult black-footed albatross.
