Today, the practice of Native Hawaiian astronomy, known as kilo hōkū (star observation), is experiencing a vibrant resurgence. Rooted in thousands of years of cultural tradition, Native Hawaiians continue to revive and preserve celestial knowledge passed down from their ancestors. This renaissance is fueled by cultural pride and efforts to restore traditional ways of navigating and understanding the skies.

An important symbol of this movement is the Polynesian Voyaging Society's continued use of the traditional Hawaiian double-hulled canoe, Hōkūleʻa, to navigate the seas without modern instruments. Voyagers rely solely on the stars, ocean currents, and the environment, continuing the legacy of wayfinding. This practice highlights the deep connection between the stars and the Native Hawaiian worldview, showing how the sky is not only a scientific tool but also an essential part of cultural identity and survival.

Modern-day Hawaiian astronomers and navigators also connect this ancient wisdom with contemporary science, fostering a deep respect for both indigenous knowledge and modern astronomical research. As new space telescopes and observatories are established on the Hawaiian Islands, there is growing awareness about the importance of preserving cultural sites like Maunakea, where indigenous Hawaiians emphasize the spiritual and cultural significance of the land and sky.

For Native Hawaiians, the stars have long been regarded as guides for both physical and spiritual journeys. Prior to European contact, the Hawaiian Islands were part of a vast Polynesian navigational network, where skilled wayfinders used the stars, winds, and ocean swells to sail across the vast Pacific Ocean. These navigators memorized star maps, which were passed down orally from generation to generation, allowing them to travel across thousands of miles of open ocean without the aid of modern tools.

In Hawaiian cosmology, the stars, known as hōkū, are more than just distant objects in the night sky; they represent ancestral connections and natural cycles. Specific stars, constellations, and planets are associated with gods and key events in Hawaiian mythology. For instance, Hōkūleʻa (Arcturus) and Ka Māhina (the Moon) play vital roles in determining times for planting, fishing, and ceremonial events.

Some Key Constellations and Stars

• Nāhiku (The Seven, Pleiades): This cluster of stars signals the start of the Makahiki season, a time of peace, harvest, and celebration. The reappearance of Nāhiku in the early evening sky is a critical celestial event, marking the beginning of the Hawaiian New Year.

• Hōkūleʻa (Arcturus): Known as the "Star of Gladness," Hōkūleʻa rises in the east and was a crucial navigation star for voyagers heading back to Hawaiʻi. Its appearance is often associated with safety and guidance on ocean voyages.

• Ka Heihei o Nā Keiki (The Canoe Bailer, Orion’s Belt): These three stars resemble the bailer used in traditional Hawaiian canoes, and they served as a guide for those traveling at sea.

• ʻIwa Keliʻi (Scorpio): This constellation was known for its connection to warfare and strength. Its shape resembled a fishhook or a scorpion and was also tied to the seasonal appearance of particular fish species.

For Native Hawaiians, the practice of astronomy goes beyond a scientific understanding of the stars. It is deeply intertwined with spirituality, oral history, and a connection to the ancestors. Mauna Kea, one of the highest peaks in the Pacific, is revered as a sacred space, a place where the heavens meet the earth. It is the meeting point for celestial navigation and cultural reverence, making it a central pillar of both ancient and modern Hawaiian identity.

Native Hawaiian astronomy is a living tradition that bridges the wisdom of the past with the potential of the future. As indigenous knowledge continues to be revitalized, the stars remain a timeless guide for navigating not only the physical world but also the spiritual and cultural landscapes of Hawaiian life. Through initiatives to preserve traditional practices and protect sacred sites, Hawaiians today are reclaiming their relationship with the night sky, ensuring that this knowledge is shared with future generations.