Mauna Kea, US Stargazing Forecast

Mauna Kea, US (19.82°, -155.47°) · Updated 11:10 UTC
61
Mixed
high confidence ⓘ
high · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast has held steady across recent updates. We compare how much tonight's score has moved across our recent forecast updates, a score that's held steady is more trustworthy.

Confidence reflects how trustworthy the forecast is, it doesn't change the score.

Worth a short session
BEST 10:00–15:00 (5h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Some haze, so transparency is slightly reduced.
Sunset
04:59
Sunrise
15:57
Usable Hours
8/9
Moon
100%
Visible Planets
♀ Venus16° W
♂ Mars25° E
♄ Saturn73° S
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Stargazing in Mauna Kea, US

Mauna Kea is one of the world's premier astronomical sites, hosting 13 research telescopes at its 4,205m summit. The combination of high altitude, mid-ocean isolation, minimal light pollution, and stable atmospheric conditions produces Bortle 1 skies with sub-arcsecond seeing. The Visitor Information Station at 2,800m offers public stargazing most evenings. Hawaii's tropical marine climate keeps the summit above the cloud inversion layer. At 19.8°N, both northern and southern sky objects are accessible, including targets impossible from higher latitudes.

Mauna Kea, US Stargazing FAQ

Why is Mauna Kea the best place for astronomy?∨
Mauna Kea combines high altitude (4,205m), mid-ocean isolation, minimal light pollution, and exceptionally stable atmospheric conditions to produce Bortle 1 skies with sub-arcsecond seeing — conditions that rival the Atacama.
Can tourists stargaze on Mauna Kea?∨
Yes — the Visitor Information Station at 2,800m offers free public stargazing most evenings with telescopes and guides. The summit itself requires a 4WD vehicle. Altitude acclimatisation is important.
What can you see from Mauna Kea?∨
At 19.8°N, Mauna Kea can see both northern and southern sky objects, including targets impossible from higher latitudes. The Milky Way, zodiacal light, and faint phenomena are all spectacular from the summit.

Stargazing guides

Is Tonight Good for Stargazing?

The answer depends on five things you can check right now.

Light Pollution & the Bortle Scale

How dark is your sky — and what difference does it make?

What Planets Are Visible Tonight?

Real visibility data for all 7 naked-eye and telescope planets, calculated for your location.

Meteor Shower Calendar 2026

Every shower this year — peak dates, expected rates, moon interference, and the two you absolutely cannot miss.
Check light pollution for this area ↗

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