In Hawaii, aumakua is a honored hawaiian spirit ancestor who might assume many forms, including a raven. Many years ago ravens were predominantly found on the Big Island of Hawaii. For unknown reasons they began to die off. The survivors were taken into captivity and are still, to this day, being hand raised so we can continue to enjoy these intelligent, vocal, spiritual, and beautiful black birds. Ravens are known as great imitators of sounds including the human voice. They are spirit guides who aid the deceased. Hawaiian legend says when someone dies they are taken by the sacred raven to a high point where they leap into the next world. Ravens are credited with continuing communications between this world and the next.