Sunset & Stargaze from the Top - Makanau Sacred Mountain

Photo by Jesse Tunison

Enjoy Ka‘ū's starry night skies unmarred by city lights. On Friday, May 3, on an almost moonless night, observe the heavens from the summit of Ka‘ū's famous flat top mountain  - Makanau.

Sponsored by Edmund C. Olson Trust and Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, the journey teaches participants history of the land and the significance of Makanau, a famous sacred site and lookout place for Hawaiians. Learn about the culture and spiritual ties from Makanau stewards Demetrius Oliveira and Earl Louis. Take an astronomy lesson from University of Hawai‘i astrophysics expert Janeeka Williams.

Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

The evening begins, meeting in Pāhala at the Edmund C. Olson Trust II building, corner of Maile and Pīkake Streets. Shuttle to the summit of Makanau for refreshments and take in the view of undeveloped slopes of pastures, orchards, forests, and coastline.

Take a moment to enjoy the view from Makanau and its cultural sites before settling into the temporary camp site to watch the sunset and study the very bright stars that led the Polynesians to Ka‘ū to settle Hawai‘i Island many generations ago. Study the skies, employing laser beams, courtesy of Ka‘ū Coffee Mill.

Photo by Jesse Tunison

Each $45 ticket includes refreshments and shuttle ride. Reserve your space through May 1, 2019, first come first served, as this event sells out quickly. Payment must be received prior to confirming reservations. For more information and reservations, see kaucoffeemill.com or call (808) 928-0550.

See our schedule of events for more fun-filled Ka‘ū Coffee Festival activities. For photos and information about previous events see our website, kaucoffeefestival.com, and our Flickr account. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.