‘Lahaina Noon’
coming here soon

It marks the time in May
and July when the sun
is directly overhead

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Star-Bulletin staff

It occurs only two days a year, less than two months apart, and only in the tropics.

It is intense, even called "cruel." And sometimes it will not even cast a shadow.

It is the "Lahaina Noon" - high noon when the sun is exactly overhead. It will occur anywhere from May 24 to 31 and from July 11 to 18 on different Hawaiian Islands.

Chosen in a contest sponsored by the Bishop Museum several years ago, the name "Lahaina Noon" was selected because it means "cruel sun," which is exactly what it feels like when it is directly overhead.

Lahaina is also an important seaport and former capital of the islands.

At the exact time of the "Lahaina Noon," which can occur any where from 12:17 to 12:43 p.m., only objects that stand straight up (like flagpoles, telephone poles, etc.) will cast no shadow.

Since it occurs in the tropics, Hawaii is the only state in the nation that experiences it.

This year, "Lahaina Noon" will occur at the following times and dates:

>> Honolulu: May 26 at 12:28, July 15 at 12:37.

>> Hilo: May 18 at 12:17, July 24 at 12:27.

>> Kahului: May 25 at 12:22, July 18 at 12:31.

>> Lanai: May 24 at 12:24, July 18 at 12:33.

>> Lihue: May 31 at 12:24, July 18 at 12:33.

>> Kaunakakai: May 26 at 12:24, July 17 at 12:34.

For more information, call the Bishop Museum for prerecorded sky information and planetarium schedule at 848-4136 or the planetarium office at 848-4162. The Web site is bishopmuseum.org/bishop/planet/sky.html.