You know the golf course in Pu’uanahulu you see on the makai side of the road that is near the beautiful jacaranda trees? Near Pu’u Lani and Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a? That golf course is called Makani Golf Club and not only has golf but star gazing and nighttime glow golf! I attended an event to check out the fun that they have planned for visitors.
Learn more about stargazing at Makani here.
Makani Golf Course is now offering stargazing and glow golf.
You can gaze at the stars protected from the comfort of a StarDome ‘lounge.’ This location is convenient since it is only about 30 minutes away from downtown Kona or from the resorts on the Kohala Coast. Additionally, because it is located at the 2500 foot elevation, the temperatures are comfortable in the evening and you don’t have to worry about safety for children as well as altitude sickness that you may come across atop Mauna Kea.
On this evening, we were lucky enough to hear from Aunty Lei (Leina’ala Keakealani Lightner), an 8th generation resident of Napu’u who talked about her ‘ohana’s connection to this ahupua’a. Her father was the last paniolo at Pu’u Wa’awa’a and today her son is working at Makani Golf Club. Aunty Lei’s father was one of the leading kupuna in supporting the establishment of this golf course in 1988 as a way to allow the land to continue to support and sustain the local families who would like to continue to live in the area.
Kalepa Baybayan, the Navigator-In-Residence at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, gave an interesting and educational presentation to us about the role that wayfinding and navigation played in allowing the early Polynesians to orient themselves and travel from place to place using the stars and birds to guide them.
If you have gotten your fill of stars, you can also participate in nighttime golfing with glowing LED golf balls with illuminated flags and putting holes. When you need a break, you can sit and relax at the fire pit with your friends and family.
This is a great place to have a private party complete with an amazing sunset and ending with the stargazing and glow golf fun. Check it out soon! Living Hilo Style at Makani Golf Club.
Contact Makani Activities to learn more or book a stargazing experience.
www.makanigolfclub.com/stargazing
(808) 747-0077
Stargazing@makanigolfclub.com
Living Hilo Style 