This Saturday, Oct 12, families will come together for the exciting ‘Ohana Stargazing event at SALT in Our Kakaʻako.
HONOLULU (KHON2) — This Saturday, Oct 12, families will come together for the exciting ‘Ohana Stargazing event at SALT in Our Kakaʻako.
The community-focused event sponsored by Kamehameha Schools promises a night filled with astronomy, cultural connections and fun activities for everyone.
Pualani Hao, the Director of Planning and Development for Kamehameha Schools, is thrilled about the upcoming event.
She explained, “For Kamehameha Schools, providing opportunities for parents and keiki to learn about their culture is very important. The ‘Ohana Stargazing event is all about deepening our understanding of Hawaiian astronomy and navigation.”
This event is a chance for families to explore the wonders of the night sky together. Attendees will have access to high-powered telescopes, which will allow them to observe various celestial objects.
Local astronomers from Stargazers of Hawai‘i and the University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy will be on hand to guide participants and share their knowledge.
Nick Bradley, owner and astronomer at Stargazers of Hawai‘i, expressed his excitement about what attendees could expect.
“We will set up multiple telescopes on the rooftop to look at the moon, Saturn, and potentially a bright comet. This could be the brightest comet we’ll see in 20 to 30 years!” Bradley said.
He emphasized that the goal is to spark curiosity about the universe while connecting it back to how Polynesians historically used the stars for navigation.
In addition to stargazing, families can take part in interactive demonstrations. One of the highlights will be the Kilo Hōkū VR experience.
In this virtual reality setup, participants can wear headsets and simulate sailing on the Hōkūle‘a, the renowned voyaging canoe that represents Hawaii’s rich maritime heritage. This experience allows people to feel the thrill of navigating the vast ocean just as ancient voyagers did.
Ka‘iulani Murphy, a navigator for Hōkūle‘a, spoke about the importance of sharing this knowledge.
“When we look up at the stars, we connect with our ancestors who navigated using those same stars,” she said. “It’s essential to pass on this ʻike kūpuna, or ancestral knowledge, to the next generation. Stargazing helps us disconnect from our devices and reconnect with the natural world around us.”
Another engaging aspect of the event will be the Nā Hōkū Navigator Challenge. Participants will have the chance to collect stars on a wayfinding card, which will enter them into a drawing for exciting prizes.
One grand prize includes a trip to the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center on Hawai‘i Island, complete with airfare and hotel accommodations.
Pualani highlighted the purpose of these activities, saying, “We want to inspire our community to learn about our culture while having fun together. Events like these help instill pride in our lāhui and create the next generation of ʻōiwi leaders.”
As the evening approaches, families will gather on the rooftop of the SALT parking garage. The view of the night sky is a special experience, even in an urban area.
Bradley noted, “You might be surprised at how many stars you can see right here in Kakaʻako, even with some light pollution. It’s an incredible opportunity to witness the beauty of the universe.”
Murphy reflected on the event’s significance, stating, “We’re not just looking at stars; we’re learning about our place in the world and our connection to the cosmos. It’s about feeling like we belong to something greater than ourselves.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with many attendees who may feel disconnected from their cultural roots.
In addition to stargazing and interactive activities, participants will also enjoy storytelling sessions about Hawaiian constellations. These stories, known as moʻolelo, play a vital role in understanding both astronomy and cultural heritage.
“Moʻolelo about our stars is just as important as the science behind them,” Pualani emphasized. “These stories connect us to our roots and remind us of the wisdom of our ancestors.”
As families enjoy the evening, they will not only leave with newfound knowledge about the stars but also a deeper appreciation for their culture. This sense of connection is vital, especially for younger generations who may be growing up in a fast-paced, technology-driven world.
The ‘Ohana Stargazing event promises to be more than just a night of looking up at the stars; it will be a celebration of culture, curiosity and community. As families gather, the stars above will serve as a reminder of shared history and a bright future ahead.
“This is what Kamehameha Schools aims for—bringing the community together to learn and grow,” Pualani concluded. “Events like these create connections that inspire and empower our young ones to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
With anticipation building, the hope for a successful evening filled with education, culture and fun is stronger than ever. As the stars twinkle above, they will carry the stories of the past and the promise of the future, lighting the way for a new generation of explorers.
Families are encouraged to attend this free event and take advantage of the activities designed for all ages.
Whether it’s gazing at the moon through a telescope, participating in the VR experience or simply sharing stories under the stars, the ‘Ohana Stargazing event at SALT in Our Kakaʻako will surely be a memorable night.
You can click here for more information on the event. You can click here to learn more about Stargazers of Hawai‘i. You can click here to learn more about Kamehameha Schools and here for more information about the Hōkūle‘a and the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Mark your calendars for Oct. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and prepare for an evening that blends science, culture and community in a truly magical way.