Stargazing guide
Stargazing in Hilo, HI
The Milky Way core is highest after dark in April, at about 41°.
How dark the sky is around Hilo, HI, the nearest certified dark-sky places, when the Milky Way core is visible, and the next dark New Moon. Calculated for 19.71°, -155.09°.
Estimated sky glow
Milky Way core
Next New Moon
Dark-sky rating for Hilo
We have no population figure for Hilo, HI, so we do not estimate its sky glow here.
For a measured reading at any point, open the live Dark Sky map.
Nearest dark-sky places and observatories
- Mauna Kea Observatories · observatory · about 42 km away
- Subaru Telescope (NAOJ) · observatory · about 43 km away
Milky Way season in Hilo
The bright core of the Milky Way climbs high above the horizon haze. It climbs at least 20° above the horizon during astronomical darkness in February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, peaking in April at about 41°.
- The north celestial pole stands 19.7° above the horizon, so stars within 20° of it never set from here.
- About 66.9% of the whole sky rises above the horizon at some point in the year from this latitude.
- The Milky Way's core in Sagittarius culminates about 41.3° up, clearing the horizon haze comfortably.
- The Large Magellanic Cloud only reaches about 0.6° altitude, so it is a low, seasonal target rather than a year-round one.
Tonight and aurora
As of October 16, 2026 (UTC) the Moon is a Waxing Crescent at 30% illumination. Aurora at 19.7° latitude generally needs about Kp 9.0.
Nearby places
Stargazing in Hilo: common questions
Is Hilo a good place for stargazing?
We have no population figure for Hilo, HI, so we do not estimate its sky glow. The nearest certified dark-sky place or observatory in our registry is Mauna Kea Observatories, about 42 km away.
When can you see the Milky Way from Hilo?
From Hilo, HI (19.71°, -155.09°) the Milky Way's bright core climbs at least 20° above the horizon during astronomical darkness in February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. It peaks in April, reaching about 41°. Moonlight, cloud and city lights still decide what you actually see.
What is the best night this month for stargazing near Hilo?
The darkest nights fall around the New Moon. As of 2026-10-16 the Moon is a Waxing Crescent at 30% illumination, and the next New Moon is November 9, 2026 (UTC). Pair it with a clear forecast and a site away from town lights.