Hilo.

The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Hilo, HI. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.

Bortle Scale
1
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.57
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
0
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Hilo

  • Top Community Pick: local vantage points (~N/A miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 2.0 at Mauna Loa Lookout Road
  • Local Experts: West Hawaii Astronomy Club
  • Verified Observations: 0 distinct spots

Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Hilo, HI? While enthusiasts often gather at local vantage points for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Mauna Loa Lookout Road provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 2.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Hilo and the more rural stretches of HI creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Hilo

For the best results in Hilo, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.

Expert Tips for Hilo Observers

Before heading out to local vantage points, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars at this spot for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. 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.

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Mauna Loa Lookout Road

Hawai'i Volcanoes NP

21.44 SQM
Bortle Class 2

"1st set started in fog and is unuseable, but the fog cleared before the second set and everyting after set on eis good. After fog cleated the transparency continued to improve throught the ngiht and was best during set 5 and 6. Kilauea crater was smoking and the light from the crater was easily visible, although constantly changing. Very little anthropogenic light visible anywhere. Excellent conditions overall, no clouds, good transparency and good seeing. Milky Way bright and detialied. Dust lanes have fine detial, sagittarius and scutum star clouds bright. Prancing horese easily visible."

Observation Date
7/3/2011
Elevation
1763m
Zenith Brightness
21.68

Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea Observatory

21.57 SQM
Bortle Class 1

"Low clouds extensive all quadrants, below not obscuring sky, Haleakala sticking up above clouds, possibly one of the peaks on Ohau, north side of big island covered with clouds. City lights of Waimea seen direct, Kona coast occasionally seen through clouds, many unshielded lights low pressure sodium seen from here. Transparency excellent, seeing fair, settling down as night progresses to good. Antares 35-40 degrees above horizon, long period twinkling, no short-period atmospheric shear type twinkling seen tonight as was the last two nights. End of astronomical twilight some clouds to west and north, near the horizon, low clouds covering most of east coast, west coast patchy, lights showing through. Hilo masked by true summit, nothing showing above it in terms of a light dome. Horizon brightness to the east slightly brighter than north or south, however. Zodiacal light strong through Leo, band seen through Spica, east of that not seen, gegenschein is obliterated by Milky Way. SQM meter 21.80 beginning of first data set. Seeing good. Alpha Centauri still twinkling by 11 PM but seeing good overall, excellent overhead. Green laser from observatories will be part of the images. Automobile headlights in first set. Summit of Mauna Kea, 7.1 ZLM, low clouds clearing partially revealing unshielded lights of Hilo area. SQM 21.75 11 PM, 21.66 as Milky Way moves overhead. Airglow brightening slightly, especially to northwest, melding with Zodiacal Light, definite green color, especially around the bowl of the Big Dipper, into the Coma Berenices, seems brighter NNW than SSE. Bortle class 1."

Observation Date
6/30/2011
Elevation
4231m
Zenith Brightness
21.35

International Dark Sky Parks

Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.

IDA Certified Distance: 2410.2 miles

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Nestled in the heart of the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is located in southern Oregon, United States, and provides a gateway…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2024
Land Area
18.42 Sq. Km
Coordinates
42.1032, -123.4019
IDA Certified Distance: 2538.7 miles

Julian, California

The town of Julian, California, is a small village near the center of San Diego County, California, U.S., with a population of about 1,000 inhabitants.

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2021
Land Area
20.3 km2
Coordinates
33.0740, -116.5878

Local Astronomy Clubs

Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#240

West Hawaii Astronomy Club

Kamuela, HI

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#189

Hawaiian Astronomical Society

Honolulu, HI