2026 is a good year for stargazing here on Hawaiʻi with a total lunar eclipse on March 3rd and two well-timed meteor showers. If you are in the mood of planning ahead you should reserve the following dates in your calendar for stargazing:
Table of contents
- January 3: Quadrantids meteor shower
- March 3: Total Lunar Eclipse
- April 21: Lyrids meteor shower
- May 5: Eta Aquariids meteor shower
- May 18-30: lahaina noon (1/2)
- June 20: Summer solstice
- July 11-24: lahaina noon (2/2)
- August 12: Perseids meteor shower
- August 27: Partial Lunar Eclipse
- October 21: Orionids meteor shower
- December 14: Geminids meteor shower
- December 21: Winter solstice
Table of Contents
- January 3: Quadrantids meteor shower
- March 3: Total Lunar Eclipse
- April 21: Lyrids meteor shower
- May 5: Eta Aquariids meteor shower
- May 18-30: lahaina noon (1/2)
- June 20: Summer solstice
- July 11-24: lahaina noon (2/2)
- August 12: Perseids meteor shower
- August 27: Partial Lunar Eclipse
- October 21: Orionids meteor shower
- December 14: Geminids meteor shower
- December 21: Winter solstice
This stargazing calendar will help you plan your nights to make the best of the biggest celestial events of 2026. To make the most of your time we recommend that you go to one of our favorite stargazing spots and read our Meteor shower guide for more viewing tips and background information about shooting stars. Finally, don’t forget to have a look at our guide: stargazing on the Big Island. The MaunaKea volcano hosts some of the best telescopes of the world, and a visit to these telescopes is a must if you are into stargazing!
January 3rd: Quadrantids Meteor Shower #
2026 is not a good year to watch the Quadrantids.
Active: December 28–January 12; Maximum: January 3, 5:00 AM HST, ZHR = 80 (can vary ≈ 60 − 200).
The first of the large annual showers, the Quadrantids peak on January 3 close to 11h HST. At this time the Full Moon nis illuminating the sky during the entire night. Even if the sky is very transparent and moonlight is shielded, the number of
visual shower meteors will be reduced a lot.
Quadrantids trivia
The Quadrantids meteor shower is named after an abandoned constellation named Quadrans Muralis. This constellation was invented in 1795 by the astronomer Joseph Jérôme de Lalande to honor the wall-mounted instrument which he used for measuring star positions (a “Quadrant” is an improved astrolabe, and is used to measure angles up to 90°; “muralis” is Latin for wall). The constellation never really “caught on” and its use was quickly abandoned. However, it now is the most well known out-of-date constellation because it gives its name to the Quadrantids meteor shower.
The Quadrantids are special among meteor showers because this shower has a very ‘sharp’ peak intensity. The shower is most active for only a short amount of time (the meteor rates exceed one-half of their highest value for only about 8 hours). This means that the space debris that causes this shower has been left ‘on location’ pretty recently, within the last ±500 years.
March 3: Total Lunar Eclipse #
On the early morning of March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible from all Hawaiian Islands. The total phase of the eclipse will last from 1:04 AM to 2:02 AM, offering a stunning celestial display.
To get the best view, choose a location with an unobstructed view toward the east. Since the moon will be bright and prominent, most open areas will do. But why not make it an experience? Head to one of our favorite sunrise viewpoints for an unforgettable sight!
Read more about this eclipse on the Time and Date website.
During a lunar eclipse the moon gets blood-red as it dips into earth’s shadow. Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash
April 21: Lyrids Meteor Shower#
Active: April 14–30; Maximum: April 22, 9:40 AM HST; ZHR = 18 (can be variable, up to 90).
2026 is an OK year to observe the Lyrids as the radiant rises during the night, viewing is best done after midnight for Hawaiian observers. The Moon reaches its first quarter on April 24, so will cause no observing problems
Lyrids Trivia
The shooting stars of the Lyrids are small parts of space-debris left behind by the comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1). They are (arguably) the first documented meteor shower with reports going back possibly up to 2600 years (687 BC, two years after King Sennacherib of Assyria sacked Babylon).
most years you can see between 10 and 20 shooting stars/hour at peak intensity, but there have been years where a true meteor shower took place, and peak rates of 90/hour were reported. The last time this happened was in 1982, but there is also a very interesting report from a newspaper in Richmond, Virginia on April 23rd, 1803. This newspaper described the shower as follows:
…Shooting stars. This electrical phenomenon was observed on Wednesday morning last at Richmond and its vicinity, in a manner that alarmed many, and astonished every person that beheld it.
From one until three in the morning, those starry meteors seemed to fall from every point in the heavens, in such numbers as to resemble a shower of sky rockets…
These outburst are quite rare, but the point we want to make is that you never know what to expect with the Lyrids.
May 5: eta-Aquariids Meteor Shower#
Active: April 19–May 28; Maximum: May 5, 5 PM HST; ZHR = 50 (can be variable, 40 to 85).
Observations of the maximum of the η-Aquariids will be disturbed by the gibbous waning Moon and 2026 is not a good year to watch this meteor shower.
Eta Aquariids trivia
Did you know that the Eta Aquariids have a sister meteor shower? The Eta Aquariids meteor shower happens when earth passes through the space-debris left by Halley’s Comet. Because Halley’s comet and our planet orbit the sun in the same plane, there is another point in space where earth crosses the debris from this comet. When this happens, we see the meteor shower the Orionids (and not the Delta Aquariids as people often think).
Current position and orbit of Halley’s comet around our solar system. Every blue dot shows you where the comet is in that year. You can see the comet passes twice (in 1986 and 2061) close to earth, leaving enough space-debris to cause two meteor showers: the Eta Aquariids (early May) and the Orionids (late October). Image adapted from source.
Halley’s Comet is the most famous short period comet of our solar system, and returns every 75 or 76 years. The last time it flew by was in 1986, the next time will be in 2061. Right now Halley’s Comet is deep in the outer solar system (beyond Neptune!) but you will still be able to see little particles of it burn up into earths atmosphere twice a year during the Eta Aquariids and the Orionids meteor showers.
Each time it swings by the sun, solar heat vaporizes about 6(!) meters of ice and rock from the nucleus. The debris particles, about the size of sand grains, spread along the comet’s orbit, filling it with tiny meteoroids.
May 18-30: lāhainā noon#
Hawai’i is the only tropical state in the USA. This comes with certain perks such as tropical weather and the two times each year when the sun is directly overhead and you don’t cast any shadow!
Lāhainā noon is a recent (1990) term, introduced to give a name to the time of day on which the sun is directly overhead. “Lā haina” means “cruel sun” in the Hawaiian language, but don’t worry, the sun isn’t that cruel here! Unless you are on the hot lava plains without enough water to drink that is.
On the Hawaiian islands the 2026 lāhainā noon will happen at the following times for these cities:
- Honolulu (O‘ahu): 12:28 PM (May 26 + 27)
- Kahului (Maui): 12:22 PM (May 24)
- Līhuʻe (Kauai): 12:35 PM (May 31)
- Hilo: 12:16 PM (May 18)
If you’d like to look up the lāhainā noon for any other place the easiest way to do so is to look up the time and date of solar noon on which the altitude of the sun is exactly 90 degrees. You can do this for example on the timeanddate website. Alternatively you can go to this website to see the point on out planet where lāhainā moon is happening right now.
June 20: Summer Solstice and Midsummer Night#
Happy Summer Solstice, today is the first day of astronomical summer! The 2026 summer solstice takes place in Hawaiʻi at June 20 at 10:24 PM HST (calculated for Kailua Kona).
The Hawaiian term for summer solstice is “Ka māuikiʻikiʻi o ke kauwela” [source].
Midsummer night is the shortest night of the year, and you could try to make your midsummer night a special one. What better excuse is there for a celebration? Many cultures have festivities linked to the summer solstice, so what about organizing your own midsummer night party or pau hana’s?
July 11-24: lāhainā noon (2/2) #
Lāhainā noon is the moment when the sun is standing directly above you. This means that the only shadow you cast is directly below you, and that tall vertical objects. such as for example phone poles and beer bottles, won’t cast a shadow at all!
You can read a more elaborate explanation about the lāhainā noon at the may listing of this event(1/2).
On the Hawaiian islands, the 2026 lāhainā noon will happen at the following times for these cities:
- Honolulu (O‘ahu): 12:37 PM (July 15 + 16)
- Kahului (Maui): 12:32 PM (July 18)
- Līhuʻe (Kauai): 12:43 (July 11)
- Hilo: 12:26 PM (July 24)
August 12: Perseids Meteor Shower#
Active: July 17–August 24; Maximum: August 12 4 pm to 6 pm; ZHR = 100.
The Perseids are one of the “Big 3” meteor showers and 2026 is a good year to watch them as the Perseid maximum on August 12 occurs during the new moon.
For Hawaiʻi viewers, the best window is after midnight through the hours before dawn, when the radiant reaches its highest point in the northern sky. Expect a modest but steady display rather than a dramatic outburst. Clear skies, minimal light pollution, and an unobstructed northern horizon make a bigger difference here than exact peak timing, so it’s worth observing on multiple nights around the maximum (August 11 through 13 for example).
Best locations in Hawaiʻi for Perseid viewing include high-elevation or remote areas with dark skies and open northern views.
- On the Big Island, the upper slopes near Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa offer excellent conditions (weather permitting), as do remote coastal areas away from town lights.
- On Maui, is outstanding.
- On Oʻahu, darker North Shore or West Side locations can work well if skies are clear. Wherever you go, prioritize darkness, elevation, and a clear view toward the north.
Perseids Trivia
The Perseids happen each year as earth passes by a trail of dust, gas and ice left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle. This comet was first documented in 1862, and returns to the sun every 130 years (the next time it will be visible from the earth will be in 2122). The earliest recorded sighting of Perseids dates back to 36 AD, when mention was made of “more than 100 meteors” in Chinese annals (source).
The Perseids are also referred to as the “tears of St. Lawrence”, because the festival of this saint is very close (August 10th) to the peak of the Perseids. The story of Laurentius (Lawrence), a Christian deacon, is the following: Laurentius was martyred by the Romans in 258 AD on an iron outdoor stove. It was in the midst of this torture that Laurentius cried out: (source)
I am already roasted on one side and, if thou wouldst have me well cooked, it is time to turn me on the other.
In honor of this history, one very appropriate midnight-snack to take out is the typically Hawaiian “Huli-Huli” (= turn-turn in Hawaiian) Chicken.
In Polynesia, Perseus was not commonly recognized as a separate constellation; the only people that named it were the people of the Society Islands, who called it Faa-iti, meaning “Little Valley” (more).
August 27: Partial Lunar Eclipse #
A partial lunar eclipse will be visible from Hawaiʻi on the evening of August 27, beginning right at moonrise around 6:44 pm HST. Most of the eclipse happens before the Moon rises here, so the moment the Moon appears above the horizon is also when the eclipse is already at its local maximum. Because of this timing, your viewing location matters more than usual.
To see the eclipse, you’ll need a clear, unobstructed view of the eastern horizon. For the best experience, choose a high vantage point or an east-facing coastal overlook, ideally above cloud level or looking out over the ocean. Sunrise viewpoints often work well for this kind of event, as long as they offer a clean eastern sightline. Clear skies and early timing are key—arrive a bit before moonrise so you’re ready when the eclipse comes into view.
Read more about this eclipse on the Time and Date website.
October 21: Orionids Meteor Shower #
Active: October 2–November 7; Maximum: October 21; ZHR = 20+.
The shower’s radiant is at a useful elevation from local midnight or so, onwards, and the waxing moon sets at 02:10 AM leaving some moon-free hours at least until the sunrise starts brightening the skies just after 5 AM. This means that the maxima of the Orionids meteor shower is free of moonlight, making the early morning hours between 2 AM and 5 AM on October 21st, 2026 a good time to look for Orionids.
How to best see shooting stars from the Orionids meteor shower
Shooting stars from the Orionids meteor shower are easy to find: just find the Orion constellation, look in its general direction, and relax your gaze.
To find the Orion constellation you should look for the three bright stars in a line that make up the belt of Orion. These stars rise over the Eastern horizon just after sunset and will keep rising towards the east-south-east until they are almost overhead at dawn [how-to guide].
You can read more viewing tips in our meteor shower guide.
Orionids Trivia
The Orionids are the brighter sibling of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower (early May). Both showers are caused by debris left by Halley’s comet.
Current position and orbit of Halley’s comet around our solar system. Every blue dot shows you where the comet is in that year. You can see the comet passes twice (in 1986 and 2061) close to earth, leaving enough space-debris to cause two meteor showers: the Eta Aquariids (early May) and the Orionids (late October). Image adapted from source.
Halley’s Comet is the most famous short period comet of our solar system, and returns every 75 or 76 years. The last time it flew by was in 1986, the next time will be in 2061. Right now Halley’s Comet is deep in the outer solar system (beyond Neptune!) but you will still be able to see little particles of it burn up into earths atmosphere twice a year during the Eta Aquarids and the Orionids meteor showers.
Each time it swings by the sun, solar heat vaporizes about 6(!) meters of ice and rock from the comet. The debris particles, about the size of sand grains, spread along the comet’s orbit, filling it with tiny meteoroids.
December 14: Geminids Meteor Shower#
Active: December 4–20; Maximum: December 14, 4 AM HST; ZHR = 150.
The Geminids are one of the most reliable and visually rewarding meteor showers of the year, and they are well worth watching from Hawaiʻi. They peak around mid-December and are known for producing bright, slow-moving meteors and occasional fireballs. Unlike many showers, the Geminids don’t peak in a sharp spike—instead, they stay strong for many hours, which means you don’t have to be outside at one exact moment to see them.
The moon sets at 10:44 PM om the 14th, leaving most of the night free of moonlight disturbance. For observers in Hawaiʻi, the Geminid radiant rises in the northeastern sky during the evening and climbs higher after midnight, making the late evening through pre-dawn hours the best time to watch.
While mid- and high-northern latitudes see the highest meteor counts, Hawaiʻi still gets a solid, steady display, especially compared to more northerly showers like the Perseids. Find a dark location, give your eyes time to adjust, and plan to watch for at least 30–60 minutes to catch the full effect.
2026 is a good year to watch the Geminids meteor shower.
December 21: Winter solstice#
This year the winter solstice will take place on December 21st at 10:50 AM HST (calculated for Kailua Kona).
The winter solstice represents the shortest day and thus the longest night on the Northern hemisphere. A solstice is an event that occurs twice each year as the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point relative to the celestial equator on the celestial sphere. You can find a good explanation of exactly what a solstice is here.
The Hawaiian term for winter solstice is “Ka māuikiʻikiʻi o ka hoʻoilo” [source].
Resources used to compile the 2026 stargazing calendar
All dates were selected from the International Meteor Organization Shower Calendar for 2026 (PDF). Moon rise and moon set times were retrieved from the timeanddate lunar calendar.