Kahaluu-Keauhou.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Kahaluu-Keauhou
- Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5.0 at Honokohau Bay
- Local Experts: West Hawaii Astronomy Club
- Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Kahaluu-Keauhou, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Honokohau Bay provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Kahaluu-Keauhou and the more rural stretches of HI creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Kahaluu-Keauhou
Since Kahaluu-Keauhou sits in a transitional light zone, viewing is best during the New Moon or after midnight when some commercial lighting is reduced.
Expert Tips for Kahaluu-Keauhou Observers
Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. For the best views at this spot, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Hawaii Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Honokohau Bay
Kaloko-Honokohau NHP
"Sky clear of most clouds, but vog still present. A lot of direct glare from streetlights along the Queen K highway, and the industrial park and shopping center across the street. About 120 degrees of Milky Way present with dark lanes visible, mostly over the bay. Ursa Major just visible, but mostly lost in light dome of the Kona Airport. SQM reading of 20.94, but a limiting magnitude of only 5.8. Slight shadow cast from industiral park and shopping center to the east."
Puu Poliahu
Mauna Kea Observatory
"seeing good-very good, transparency excellent, vog from Kilauea Crater to south and west, but below observing location. Light dome from Honolulu seen fairly bright but small. Waimea in the clear, unshielded light seen below the horizon. More airglow tonight than last, Zodiacal light very bright early. No clouds, a flawless sky, Bortle Class 1 if you consider to the true horizon. Virtually no light domes. Visual observations impaired by high altitude, not reliable indicator of sky quality compared with lower altitude locations because of lack of oxygen. Still, the center of the Milky Way tracking nearly overhead is extremely impressive, details in the prancing horse easy, fingers of Ophiuchus are seen with only a little difficulty. SQM 21.81 end of first set. Wind steady at 10-15 mph."
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