Beyond Maunakea
The Big Island's Hidden Stargazing Sanctuaries
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerDiscovering the Island's Secret Celestial Sanctuaries
While Maunakea gets all the fame, the truth is that incredible stargazing can be found all across the Big Island. On a clear night, all you really need is to get away from the city lights and look up. Here are a few of my favorite spots to find a more personal connection with the cosmos.
Saddle Road: The Dark Sky Corridor
This high-elevation highway runs through the vast "saddle" between our two largest volcanoes, Maunakea and Mauna Loa. It is one of the darkest and most remote roads on the island. Making it an unexpected gem for stargazing.
I love finding a safe pull-off on Saddle Road on a clear night. There's a profound silence out there. Just you and the universe. The Milky Way can be so bright it feels like you could reach out and touch it. My advice is to scout your spot during the day. The road is fast and very, very dark at night. So for your safety, you need to be completely and safely off the pavement in a designated pull-off area.
The stretch between mile markers 30 and 45 is often cited as a prime zone with several larger gravel lots perfect for setting up.
🌌 Exceptional Darkness
Minimal light pollution between two massive volcanic shields creates some of the darkest skies on the island.
🚗 Easy Access
Paved highway with multiple safe pull-offs - no 4WD required, accessible in any rental car.
🏔️ High Elevation
At 6,000+ feet elevation, you're above much of the atmospheric interference and moisture.
🔇 Complete Solitude
Experience the profound silence of the high desert - just you and the cosmos.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Where Fire Meets the Stars
For an experience that feels truly primal and otherworldly, there is nothing like stargazing in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. On a clear night, the sky is breathtaking. But if you are lucky enough to visit during an active eruption, the sight of the cosmos glittering above the faint, fiery glow of Kīlauea's caldera is a memory that will be seared into your soul forever.
Even without an active flow, the stark volcanic landscapes provide a dramatic foreground for the stars. Here are a few of the best spots within the park:
Kīlauea Overlook
Located near the park entrance, this is one of the most easily accessible spots. It offers a stunning view with the vast crater as a backdrop. The contrast between the ancient volcanic landscape and the infinite star field creates an unforgettable experience.
Mauna Ulu Trailhead / Chain of Craters Road
For a more remote feeling, drive down the Chain of Craters Road. The open lava fields around the Mauna Ulu trailhead provide unobstructed, panoramic views of the sky. There is even a wooden observation deck at the Mauna Ulu Lookout that is perfect for setting up.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground
Situated at an elevation of 3,200 feet, this remote campground is known for its exceptionally dark skies. It's a fantastic option if you plan on camping and want to experience the full night sky cycle from sunset to sunrise.
Important Note
Before you go, I always recommend checking the official National Park Service website for any park alerts, road closures, and, of course, the latest information on volcanic activity.
📍 Top Hidden Spots
- Saddle Road: Mile 30-45
- Kilauea Overlook: Easy access
- Mauna Ulu: Remote views
- Kaunaoa Beach: Sea level
- Kulanaokuaiki: Camping
⚠️ Safety First
- Scout locations during daylight
- Park completely off the road
- Bring emergency supplies
- Check park conditions
- Tell someone your plans
📖 Complete Guide
The Kohala Coast: Barefoot Stargazing
If the idea of freezing temperatures and high altitude doesn't appeal to you, the Kohala Coast offers the most comfortable and accessible stargazing on the island. The dry climate on the northwest side of the island means frequent clear skies. You can enjoy the heavens with your feet in the sand and the sound of the waves in the background.
Kaunaoa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea Beach, is one of my favorite spots. Its wide, white-sand expanse provides a perfect place to lay down a blanket and look up. Many of the resorts along this coast also offer their own stargazing programs.
For a more formal but still very accessible experience, tours like Stargaze Hawaii set up powerful telescopes right at the Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel. They offer a fantastic 1-hour program that's perfect for families and those with health or mobility concerns who can't make the trip up the mountain.
Perfect for Families
Comfortable temperatures, no altitude concerns, and the familiar comfort of beach settings make this ideal for all ages.
Year-Round Access
The dry Kohala Coast climate provides reliable clear skies without weather-related closures or extreme conditions.
Romantic Setting
The combination of starlight, moonlight on the water, and gentle ocean sounds creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere.
Top Kohala Coast Stargazing Beaches
- Kaunaoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach): Wide white sand beach with minimal light pollution and excellent northern sky views
- Hapuna Beach: Large beach with ample space to spread out and avoid resort lighting
- Waialea Beach (Beach 69): Smaller, more secluded beach perfect for intimate stargazing sessions
- Spencer Beach Park: Protected bay with calm waters and good facilities for longer stargazing sessions