Secrets of the Stars: Big Island Stargazing

My First Night Under a Billion Stars

Aloha, I'm Kalani Miller. I was born and raised here on the Big Island. The story of my life is written in its lava flows, rainforests, and night skies.

I remember my tutu taking me up the slopes of Maunakea as a child. The road wasn't fully paved then. We sat in the biting cold, wrapped in blankets in his old truck's back. He didn't point out Orion or the Big Dipper. He showed me the shimmering hook of Mānaiakalani—what some call Maui's Fishhook. He told me how our ancestors sailed the vast Pacific using those same lights as their map. The greatest navigators the world has ever known.

The Big Island of Hawaiʻi is one of the premier destinations on Earth for looking at the stars. This is true for two reasons. First, the science. Our island's geography creates a near-perfect window to the cosmos. That's why some of the world's most advanced observatories sit atop our highest mountain. But just as important is the soul. The stars are woven into Hawaiian culture. A sacred realm that guided our ancestors and continues to inspire us today.

This article is the result of a lifetime of experience and deep respect for this place. It's for the visitor from the mainland seeking a once-in-a-lifetime memory. It's for the local looking to connect more deeply with the wonders above. We'll explore the science that makes our skies so clear and the sacred traditions that make them so meaningful. We'll break down the best ways to experience Maunakea, whether on a tour or on your own. We'll venture beyond the great mountain to discover other celestial sanctuaries across the island. This is everything I've learned, everything I love about the stars of Hawaiʻi. This will be the only resource you'll ever need.