NEWS RELEASE

Popular Family-Friendly Stargazing Event Returns to Our Kaka‘ako

The public is invited to marvel at the night sky through telescopes and learn about traditional Hawaiian celestial navigation during ‘Ohana Stargazing this Saturday, October 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, located at 327 Keawe Street. In partnership with Stargazers of Hawaii, ‘Ohana Kilo Hōkū, and the University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy, Our Kaka‘ako is once again hosting fun, educational, and cultural activities focused on astronomy and ancient Polynesian wayfinding. High-quality telescopes will be available for participants to explore the universe. People can register for this free event at www.ourkakaako.com/OhanaStargazing.

“After the first ‘Ohana Stargazing event in May, many people reached out to let us know how much they enjoyed the event and we knew that we had to bring it back,” says Melanie Hao, Kamehameha Schools commercial real estate director of planning and development. “Our partners in this event share our passion for education, and we're excited to provide another opportunity for families and the community to celebrate the science of astronomy and its connection with traditional Hawaiian wayfinding.”

Attendees can experience various stargazing activities on the rooftop of the SALT at Our Kaka‘ako Parking Garage and inside The Barn at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako.

SALT at Our Kaka‘ako Parking Garage Rooftop Activities

• Bring your own blankets, pillows, chairs, and equipment to recline and stargaze at your leisure, or use a provided high-quality telescope for a guided constellation tour after sunset.
• Participate in Ask an Astronomer Q&A sessions to learn about upcoming astronomical events and how to enhance your at-home stargazing experience.
• Hear the Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories) of how the demi-god Maui slowed the sun and the goddess Hina came to live on the moon.

The Barn at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako Activities

• Become a navigator and wayfind at sea on the Hōkūleʻa using virtual reality goggles.
• Hear Hōkūleʻa navigator Ka‘iulani Murphy detail the Hawaiian constellations and how crews survey the sky while voyaging.
• Get crafty in the LEGO® play area, where keiki can build figures alongside space shuttle models.
• Walk through a scaled model of the solar system and discover how astronomers use starlight to create the deep sky atlas and understand the universe.
• Receive a free KeikiDesk provided by Kamehameha Schools (while supplies last) and decorate it with stellar stickers before taking it home!

Star Stream Starting at 7 P.M.

Can’t make it to SALT at Our Kaka‘ako? Tune in to the Star Stream on the UH Institute for Astronomy’s YouTube to look through the telescopes from the comfort of your home.

This free event is sponsored in part by the Kaiāulu ‘o Kaka‘ako Owners Association.