Aurora is visible from Hawaii only during rare, extreme storms. In central Hawaii the geomagnetic latitude is about 22°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 9.0 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Kilauea Lighthouse) needs about Kp 9.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 9.0
geomag. lat 22°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 9.0
Kilauea Lighthouse
Kp needed (south)
Kp 9.0
Kama‘ehuakanaloa Seamount
Kp needed in Hawaii cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | 21.8° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| East Honolulu | 21.8° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Pearl City | 21.9° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Makakilo / Kapolei / Honokai Hale | 21.8° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Hilo | 20.7° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam | 21.8° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Aliamanu / Salt Lakes / Foster Village | 21.8° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Kailua | 21.9° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Waipahu | 21.8° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| ʻEwa Gentry-West Loch | 21.8° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Kaneohe | 21.9° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Makiki / Lower Punchbowl / Tantalus | 21.8° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Mililani Town | 21.9° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Kahului | 21.6° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Manoa | 21.8° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
Approximate Kp for aurora low on the northern horizon (camera-visible). Higher Kp lets it climb higher and show color to the eye.
Dark, northern photo locations in Hawaii
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nā Pali Coast State Park | State Park | Kauai County | 2 |
| Haʻena State Park | State Park | Kauai County | 2 |
| Koke'e State Park | State Park | Kauai County | 2 |
| Kalalau Lookout, Honopu | Scenic Viewpoint | Kauai County | 2 |
| Polihale State Park | State Park | Kauai County | 2 |
| Bay View Home | Scenic Viewpoint | Kalawao County | 3 |
| Waimea Lookout | Scenic Viewpoint | Kauai County | 3 |
| Keaulepe | Natural Arch | Kauai County | 1 |
| Honopu Arch | Natural Arch | Kauai County | 2 |
| Kalawao | Ghost Town | Maui County | 3 |
| Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge | National Wildlife Refuge | Kauai County | 3 |
| Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge | National Wildlife Refuge | Maui County | 3 |
How to photograph the northern lights
- Watch the live Kp forecast above and NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast; storms often peak between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- Find an unobstructed view to the north — a lake, open field or ridge — away from town lights.
- Start at ISO 1600–3200, f/2.8 or faster, 5–15 seconds; shorter exposures keep fast-moving curtains sharp.
- Your camera sees aurora as green or red long before your eyes do — take test shots whenever Kp is near the threshold.
- Moonlight lights the foreground but washes out faint aurora; strong storms are still worth shooting under a bright moon.
FAQ
Can you see the northern lights in Hawaii?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Hawaii usually needs about Kp 9.0; the north about Kp 9.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 9.0+ for central Hawaii. Kp is a 0–9 scale of geomagnetic activity; each step moves the aurora's southern edge a few degrees of latitude.
Where is the best place to see the aurora in Hawaii?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Nā Pali Coast State Park, Haʻena State Park, Koke'e State Park.