Te lapa is a Polynesian term for an unexplained and scientifically unproven light phenomenon underneath, or on the surface of the ocean. Te lapa has been loosely translated as "flashing light", "underwater lightning", "the flashing", or "something that flashes". It was used by historic and modern Polynesians as a navigation aid to find islands in the Pacific Ocean. In some instances, it has been theorized to be bioluminescence or electromagnetic in nature. Other hypotheses include the interference patterns of intersecting waves creating a raised curve acting as a lens, but would not explain the source of light. David Lewis speculated that te lapa may originate from luminescence of organisms, or related to deep swell, ground swell, or backwash waves from reefs or islands.
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