Stars over Hawaii

The stars in the night sky over the Hawaiian Islands overwhelm us with feelings of wonder and amazement. They provoke images of Hawaii's first people, sailing from far away lands, finding their way by use of the stars in the heavens. Their knowledge of the skies, from the Hokupaa (North Star) to the Hanaiakamalama (Southern Cross) helped them navigate the vast Pacific in double-hulled canoes without use of compasses or maps. In contrast, today’s astronomers have explored the heavens with the use of advanced telescopes, satellites and space vehicles traveling to our moon and planets beyond.

Stars Over Hawaii presents an overview of current knowlege about the night sky above us and the vast universe beyond. Twelve monthly star charts, plus two which label star names in Hawaiian, will help guide you through the year in your own explorations of Hawaii’s brilliant starlit sky. Readers can learn about the phenomenon known locally as "Lahaina Noon" which cannot happen in the mainland United States. Hawaiian astronomy is explored through legend and what oral knowledge has survived to the present time. The chapter on Polynesian Voyaging and Wayfinding includes Mau’s Compass and the Hawaiian star compasses designed by Nainoa Thompson and reproduced with the generous permission of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

Originally compiled by Edwin H. Bryan, Jr. in 1955, this revised edition of Stars Over Hawaii contains a tremendous amount of new information contributed by Dr. Richard Crowe, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Included in this version are current theories about the formation of our solar system and knowledge gained through space exploration and powerful modern telescopes.

Appendix One, which explores night and day, and the biography of the author were contributed by Dr. Walt Steiger, Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Stars Over Hawaii marries the knowledge of the masterful navigators of ancient Hawaii with today’s astronomy experts to bring you an all-encompassing view of Hawaii’s skies, past and present.