Stars Over Hawaii

Book excerpt: 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, 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 technology, traveling to our moon and planets beyond. This book presents an overview of current knowledge about the night sky above us and the vast universe beyond. Twelve monthly star charts, plus two which label star names in Hawaiian, with help guide you. Hawaiian astronomy is explored through legend and what oral knowledge has survived to the present time. This book 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.