About The Lānaʻi Observatory

Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi is a destination for visitors and is the major economic engine for the Island of Lānaʻi. In the evenings, the Lānaʻi Observatory Kilo Hōkū Experience shares information on how Native Hawaiians and other indigenous people of the Pacific utilized celestial bodies and the natural environment. Guests are guided through a viewing of several objects in the night sky by utilizing a 1-meter (≈ 40-inch) telescope. More importantly, the Lānaʻi Observatory focuses on the cultural aspect of the stars and celestial sphere, and feels that offering this perspective is what makes their experience distinguishable from any experience that may be offered anywhere else in the world.

The observatory has an opportunity to educate visitors about authentic Hawaiian culture and values. Oftentimes, there is a historical precedence of Native Hawaiian customs and culture being offered as spectacles to fantasize about, be in awe of, or portrayed as a primitive population that lacked intelligence and cultural depth. The Love Lānaʻi team aims to debunk these perceptions and expose visitors to the ancestral developments of culture and knowledge that was far advanced and superior for their time.

Meet Our Internship Mentor: Isabel Campbell

Love Lānaʻi Observatory Specialist

Isabel is the Observatory Specialist that oversees the experiences at the Lana’i Observatory Kilo Hoku program and thoroughly enjoys facilitating and learning about traditional way finding and astronomy. Her training as a cultural practitioner has allowed her to better share traditional knowledge on how the Pacific has utilized the celestial sphere and the natural environment with guests. Raised on Lānaʻi, she is a graduate of Lānaʻi High and Elementary and enjoys mentoring students to strive to be honest in all things, especially with themselves, as to what they really want and what they can realistically do.

INTERNSHIP DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Interns will learn to facilitate guest experiences, including presentations and operation of telescope and computer software. They will strengthen their knowledge of the celestial sphere, gain an introduction to indigenous voyaging practices and perspectives, learn Hawaiian traditions in relation to voyaging and wayfinding, and build communication and presentation skills.

INTERNS SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE with AND ABLE TO:

• Climb stairs. 
• Learn astronomy and Hawaiian culture.
• Build interpersonal skills.
• Have a good attitude and willingness to learn.
• Be willing to commit to the time requirements and able to work evenings.
• Presenting to groups of up to 24 people (6-years-old to adults)
• Hold discretion regarding guests’ privacy.
• Follow the dress code: adhering to hotel dress code and wearing hotel uniform.
• Stand for long periods of time (up to an hour).

2025 Internship Schedule:

• Spring 2025: Schedules vary by student
• Summer 2025: Schedules vary by student. Summer internship must happen mostly in the evening. Some research may be done at home on the computer. These hours are negotiable based on the student’s research project.

*Schedules are tentative and are subject to change. Interns will be required to work 40 hours in the Summer 2023.

Internship Meeting Location:
Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi
Lānaʻi Observatory Kilo Hōkū
1 Manele Bay Rd
Lānaʻi City, HI 96763