The University of Hawaiʻi welcomed about 50 international diplomats to Maunakea and the UH Hilo ʻImiloa Astronomy Center for a firsthand look at the university's leading role in world-class astronomy, scientific discoveries and cultural stewardship that have helped make Hawaiʻi a global center for space research.
The visit, coordinated through the U.S. Department of Defense's annual Defense Attaché Orientation Program, brought diplomats to Maunakea where they learned how UH researchers and international partners are helping drive some of the world's most important astronomical discoveries, from distant exoplanets and mysterious brown dwarfs to black holes, advanced robotic optics technology and some of the farthest known objects in the universe.
“Maunakea has become a model for how nations can work together in the pursuit of knowledge,†said Doug Simons, director of the UH Institute for Astronomy. “The discoveries made here belong to all humanity.â€
Summit science, stewardship
Atop the summit of Maunakea, teams from the Maunakea Observatories such as W. M. Keck Observatory, Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, Subaru Telescope and UH's NASA Infrared Telescope Facility guided diplomats through observatory facilities. Hawaiʻi astronomy consistently ranks number one in the world in science impact and output.
At HalepÅhaku, located within Maunakea's mid-level elevation, the group was welcomed with oli (chant) and cultural protocol led by staff from the UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS). The welcome offered diplomats an introduction to the cultural significance of the mauna (mountain) before continuing their visit.
Staff also shared the mountain's environmental and cultural significance, restoration projects and ongoing stewardship work. Diplomats learned about UH's continued efforts to responsibly decommission telescopes as part of its long-term stewardship commitments.
“Our responsibility is to care for this mauna thoughtfully and respectfully,†said Greg Chun, executive director of CMS. “Stewardship guides every part of the work happening on Maunakea, from protecting natural and cultural resources to supporting world-class science.â€
Cultural connections
The visit also included a stop at ʻImiloa, where diplomats were welcomed with Hawaiian chant and lei. Staff and students led them through an engaging exploration of Polynesian wayfinding and navigation. Hands-on activities including traditional knot tying and an exploration of Hawaiian canoe, or waʻa.
For many in the group, it was their first encounter with the tradition of Polynesian navigation and the recognition of Hawaiians as among the world's first astronomers, a story that clearly resonated as guests lingered over exhibits and engaged in lively conversation with staff.
“This is a place where HawaiÊ»i's culture and international scientific perspectives come together in ways that deepen and strengthen one another,†said KaÊ»iu Kimura, executive director of UH Hilo's Ê»Imiloa Center. “We wanted our guests to understand the profound cultural significance of Maunakea and the shared responsibility that comes with caring for a place of such importance.â€
