Are you looking for the best stargazing on Kaua’i in Hawaii? Look no further! The island of Kaua’i is stunningly beautiful, and its night sky is no exception. Whether an amateur astronomer or a professional astrophotographer, you’ll find plenty of unique spots to view the stars.
I’ve put together this guide to help you explore some of the best island stargazing spots and provide a free map for your convenience. Get ready to take in the beauty of Kauai’s night sky!
In this article, you get
An overview of when is the best time to stargaze Kauai
Suggestions for seeing the Milky Way core on Kauai
A description of each Kauai night sky location on my list
A free Google Map to help you travel to the best stargazing Kauai has to offer
By the end of the article, you’ll have a better understanding of the best spots on this beautiful Hawaiian island, as well as some tips and techniques for making the most of your stargazing experience.
Let’s dive right in.
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WHEN CAN YOU SEE THE MILKY WAY?
You can see the Milky Way almost all year round.
The best time of year for star gazing Kauai is from May to September when the skies are clear and the stars are visible. During this time, it’s easy to find a clear spot in the night sky to take in the beautiful cosmic view.
Of course, it’s important to remember that the Milky Way is only visible when there is no light pollution or interference from the moon. That’s why it’s best to plan your stargazing trip around these times and ensure you have a good view of the sky.
THE MILKY WAY SEASON
Milky Way season is when the core of the Milky Way is visible. The core is the Galactic Center, which is the brightest and most spectacular part.
The best time to see the Milky Way on Kauai is during the Milky Way Season. The best stargazing Hawaii offers is during Milky Way Season.
I’ve listed below the number of hours each month the Galactic Center is visible. May to August offer the most hours per night to see the Milky Way core.
- January 5:29 am – 6:01 am
- February 3:28 am – 5:53 am
- March 1:38 am – 5:32 am
- April 11:40 pm – 5:02 am
- May 9:37 pm – 4:36 am
- June 8:49 pm – 4:28 am
- July 8:48 pm – 3:58 am
- August 8:27 pm – 1:56 am
- September 7:56 pm – 11:54 pm
- October 7:28 pm – 9:56 pm
- November 7:12 pm – 7:54 pm
- December not visible
To learn more about the Milky Way, read my article Are All The Stars We See In The Milky Way?
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO STARGAZE ON THE ISLAND?
In the following section, I’ll report on the details of each of these stargazing spots on Kauai.
At the end of the article, you’ll get a free Google Map to each of these locations:
- Barking Sands Beach
- Kalihiwai Bay
- Keahua Arboretum
- Kealia Beach
- Kekaha Beach Park
- Koke’e State Park
- Kuamoo Nounou Trail
- Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
- Moloa’a Bay Beach Park
- Pu’u O Kila Lookout
- Salt Pond Beach Park
- Wailua Beach
- Waimea Canyon
- Kauai Educational Association for Science & Astronomy (the Kauai Observatory)
- Kauai Stargazing Tour
If you’re new to stargazing, read my article What Do You Need To Go Stargazing?
BEST STARGAZING KAUAI HAS TO OFFER
If you’re planning to travel to Kauai, you’ve come to the right place! This beautiful island is home to some of the best stargazing locations in Hawaii. From picturesque beaches to incredible canyons and lush forests, there are plenty of spots to get a good look at the night sky.
I’ve listed 15 spots below in alphabetical order. The last two on the list aren’t spots but a Kauai observatory and a recommended Kauai stargazing tour.
BARKING SANDS BEACH – POLIHALE STATE PARK
If you’re looking for some of the best stargazing locations in Kauai, Barking Sands Beach is worth a visit.
This picturesque beach, located within Polihale State Park, is 12 miles long and one of the longest beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. The dunes here are massive, and the sound of the sand moving is said to resemble a barking sound – hence the name Barking Sands!
You can take in stunning views of the ‘forbidden’ island of Niihau and enjoy peace and relaxation away from the more tourist-filled areas.
KALIHIWAI BAY
Enjoy a surreal experience under the stars as you bask in the beauty of the night. You can take a breathtaking night sky view with a secluded beach and dark volcanic summits.
Kalihiwai Bay on the north side of Kauai Island is one of the best places in Hawaii for star-gazing.
FREE STARGAZING CHECKLIST
My 5-page Stargazing Checklist will enhance your astronomical observations.
Follow this free checklist to navigate the night sky with confidence, clarity, and a sense of preparedness for a rewarding stargazing experience.
KEAHUA ARBORETUM
Located in the Wailua River State Park, this area features a variety of native plants and trees.
The arboretum offers a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the night sky, as there are no city lights to obscure your view.
Not only is this area perfect for stargazing, but it is also great for birdwatching, as there is an abundance of different species of birds in the area.
KEALIA BEACH
Whether you’re looking to splash around in the clear waters or relax on the vast stretch of white sand, Kealia Beach is sure to please.
Located on the Eastern Shore of Kauai, this stunning beach is the perfect place for a day filled with fun and adventure in the sun and an evening full of enjoying the wonders of the night sky. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the Ke Ala Hele Makalae path.
KEKAHA BEACH PARK
With its long stretch of sandy beach, Kekaha Beach Park offers excellent stargazing opportunities. Located on the west side of Kauai, it offers a wide variety of activities, such as swimming, fishing, and surfing.
However, the night sky offers a unique experience with its amazing stars and planets. It offers an unobstructed view of the Milky Way. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, come and explore Kekaha Beach Park at night.
You won’t be disappointed!
KOKE’E STATE PARK
If you’re looking for a slightly more remote spot to stargaze, Kokee State Park should be at the top of your list.
Located on the northwest side of Kauai, Kokee State Park offers plenty of dark sky views and is perfect for all levels of stargazers. The park’s elevation gives you an even better night sky view.
The park offers plenty of trails for you to explore.
KUAMOO NOUNOU TRAIL
Kuamoo Nounou Trail is an excellent spot for stargazing in Kauai. Located in the Nounou Mountain Range, this trail offers some of the best night sky views.
The hike is relatively easy, with a few steep sections, but it’s worth it for the stunning views of the stars above. The trail winds through lush forests and meanders up and down the mountain, offering a variety of paths to explore.
With little light pollution, this is a great spot to take in some of the Milky Way’s most stunning sights. Bring your camera, as you’ll want to capture these incredible views!
MAHA’ULEPU HERITAGE TRAIL
With the perfect combination of the ocean breeze and the clear night sky, your stargazing experience on the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail will surely be unforgettable!
This 4-mile trail takes you along the rugged and colorful coastline from Shipwreck Beach to Maha’ulepu Beach, next to the Poipu Bay Golf Course.
Enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean as you take a peaceful walk and admire the night sky filled with stars.
MOLOA’A BAY BEACH PARK
This picturesque crescent-shaped beach on the north east side is fantastic for swimming, fishing, and picnicking with friends and family. The fine golden sand and turquoise waters make it a perfect spot to spend a relaxing day.
Be sure to get there early, as parking is very limited.
PU’U O KILA LOOKOUT
If you are looking for a spot with a sweeping view of the night sky, Pu’u O Kila Lookout is the place to go. This spot offers an unencumbered view of the stars and the Milky Way. It is often considered one of the best stargazing locations in Kauai.
This lookout is near the top of an ancient volcano and provides an impressive view of the horizon. The area is also tranquil, making it a great spot for stargazing without any distractions.
SALT POND BEACH PARK
This easy-access spot on the southern shore offers terrific snorkeling and fishing during the day and the perfect conditions to stargaze in the evening.
The beach is particularly dark, and you may even see some of Hawaii’s ocean wildlife, like tropical fish and black sea cucumbers! Remember to take in the stunning view at golden hour.
WAILUA BEACH
This stunning beach in Hawaii is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. The crystal-clear waters and soft white sands make it a paradise for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Families love spending the weekend days under the Wailua Bridge at the river mouth, even hauling out a picnic or two.
WAIMEA CANYON OBSERVATION POINT
If you’re looking for a spot with a more comprehensive view, then Waimea Canyon is your best bet.
This observation point is in the middle of Waimea Canyon State Park. It offers unobstructed views of the Milky Way. Not only can you see the stars more clearly here, but you can also take in the incredible views of the canyon itself.
With its deep valleys and bright red-orange cliff walls, this observation point offers a truly breathtaking experience for stargazers.
KEASA: kauai observatory
Kauai Educational Association for Science & Astronomy (KEASA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to Kauai’s students and the public.
KEASA offers many stargazing programs and attractions. You can learn about the stars and constellations, how to use a telescope to observe the night sky, and even get a chance to explore some of the best stargazing locations in Kauai.
With KEASA, you can be sure of getting an educational experience out of this world!
GOOD STARGAZING TOURS
If you are looking for guided tours to some good stargazing, this Kauai Stargazing Tour is your best bet.
Not only will you get to explore the night sky with an experienced tour guide, but you’ll also get to see some of the most beautiful sights along the way.
FREE GOOGLE MAP OF THE BEST STARGAZING ON KAUAI
I’ve created a free Google Map of Kauai’s best places to stargaze.
This Kauai map will come in handy as you plan your next travel adventure. These are some of the best star gazing destinations in Hawaii.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU STARGAZE IN KAUA’I?
Yes, you can stargaze on Kauai island in Hawaii. The island offers many excellent spots for viewing the night sky, including amazing vistas for taking in the Milky Way. The core of the Milky Way galaxy is visible for many hours over the summer months.
CAN YOU SEE THE MILKY WAY IN KAUA’I?
Yes, you can see the Milky Way on Kauai. The galactic center is visible during all months, except December. May to August offer you the most hours per night for seeing the Milky Way core.
Summary: Kauai Stargazing
Star gazing in Kauai can be an unforgettable experience if you plan and find the right spot.
With little to no sources of light pollution and a clear night sky, you can see the stars and constellations like never before.
If your travels take you to other parts of Hawaii, read my articles on the best stargazing on Oahu and the best stargazing on Maui. Ready for a pop-quiz? Answer this: Can You See the Big Dipper in Hawaii?
If your travels take you to the mainland USA, read my article on the best stargazing in California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Florida.
Read my other articles in my Best Stargazing in US series:
