Twenty-two seniors from Kea`u High School recently participated in a once-in-a-lifetime educational summit tour to Maunakea, where they explored the intersection of culture, environment, and cutting-edge science.
Figure 1: Kea`au High School students experiencing the Subaru Telescope (left) and the Gemini North Telescope (right). (Credit: NAOJ (left), International Gemini Observatory (right))
Organized through a collaborative effort by Subaru Telescope, the International Gemini Observatory, and the students’ dedicated teacher, Ms. Casey Plank, the tour offered an immersive experience designed to connect students with the many dimensions of Maunakea. Students were transported from Kea`au High School to Hale Pohaku, the mid-level facility of Maunakea, where they received engaging presentations from the Center for Maunakea Stewardship. These sessions highlighted the cultural significance and environmental stewardship practices tied to this revered mountain.
Figure 2: Ian Kaleo`okalani Pilago, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Center for Maunakea Stewardship at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo, presents the cultural and environmental aspects of Maunakea at Hale Pohaku. (Credit: NAOJ)
Following a period of acclimation, the students were taken to the summit where they toured the Subaru Telescope and the Gemini North Telescope—two of the world’s premier astronomical facilities. There, they learned firsthand about the scientific discoveries being made on Maunakea and the global collaboration involved in cutting-edge astronomical research.
"This experience gave students the chance to not only explore world-class scientific instruments, but also to deepen their understanding of the many roles Maunakea plays—culturally, environmentally, and academically," says Dr. Kumiko Usuda-Sato, Public Information Outreach Specialist at Subaru Telescope.
The tour’s broader goal was to inspire students to envision themselves in future educational and career pathways, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and cultural and environmental stewardship. The initiative was also supported by the Hawai`i Science and Technology Museum and University of Hawai`i at Hilo’s new Pre-Engineering Program, which offers students the opportunity to complete the first year and a half of engineering studies on the Island of Hawai`i before transferring directly into UH Manoa’s College of Engineering.
By integrating cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and scientific exploration, this summit tour provided students with an enriching and multi-dimensional perspective on Maunakea—and a glimpse into what their futures could hold.
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