Napili-Honokowai.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Napili-Honokowai, HI. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Napili-Honokowai
- Top Community Pick: Kailua Intermediate School (~74.8 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Pu’u’ula’ula (Red Hill)
- Local Experts: Hawaiian Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 2 distinct spots
Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Napili-Honokowai, HI? While enthusiasts often gather at Kailua Intermediate School for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Pu’u’ula’ula (Red Hill) provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Napili-Honokowai and the more rural stretches of HI creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Napili-Honokowai
For the best results in Napili-Honokowai, 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 Napili-Honokowai Observers
Before heading out to Kailua Intermediate School, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. For the best views here, 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.
Kailua Intermediate School
" We are hoping to have a talk about the night sky during our event (if possible) and also a few telescopes to view the moon or the night sky with (this can be either in our back field or in Kailua District Park next door.' "
Kaelepulu Elementary School
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Pu'u'ula'ula (Red Hill)
Haleakala NP
"Lots of cirrus around the horizon - slowly clearing. Set up equipment on the low ridge north of the parking lot for the summit viewing shelter. Considerable amount of visitors in this location before and during sunset. A few people with telescopes stayed until 11:00 p.m. Occassional headlights and flashlights interfered with data collection. The city lights of Kahului down to the SW coast (Kihie and Wailea) produced a substantial glow below the horizon. the Milky Way was rich i detail and the Southern Cross (Crux) was clearly visible. Extinction was moderate to the east and there were always clouds viewable along or below the horizon. The zodiacal light was prominent coming out of the glow from Kihie and Honolulu."
Pu'u'ula'ula (Red Hill)
Haleakala NP
"Lots of cirrus around the horizon - slowly clearing. Similar sky conditions to the previous night with even more visitors staying for the sunset. Wind chill by the middle of the night in the 20's! Collected 6 sets with only 10 minute delay to maximize opportunities and then had time for 2 more before moonrise. Lights in the valley below were occassionally obscured by clouds, so most sets will have variations in light glow to the west. the lookout shelter on the summit is visible to the south and the observatories at "Science City" are visible to the WSW. The Milky Way was again striking in its detail, though it was obscured at about 15° in the NNE by clouds and moisture/humidity."
International Dark Sky Parks
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