CFHT is a joint facility of:

• National Research Council of Canada,
  • see also Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre
• Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and
  • see also CNRS/INSU
• University of Hawaiʻi.
  • see also UH/Institute for Astronomy

Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization that hosts a world-class, 3.6-meter optical/infrared telescope. The observatory is located near the summit of Maunakea, a 4200-meter (13,800-foot) dormant volcano located on the island of Hawaiʻi, host to the 12 Maunakea Observatories. The CFH Telescope became operational in 1979, and has been conducting astronomical research for 45 years (and counting!). The mission of CFHT is to provide for its user community a versatile and state-of-the-art astronomical observing facility which is well matched to the scientific goals of that community and which fully utilizes the potential of the Maunakea site.

The observatory headquarters is located in Waimea (also known as Kamuela by the US Postal Service), where CFHT has been part of the community since 1977. Waimea is a small, upland country town of 13,000 nestled at 750m (2,500 feet) in the saddle between Maunakea and the Kohala mountains. A unique combination of old and new Hawaiʻi, Waimea has retained its 175-year-old Paniolo (cowboy) culture while also offering many of the conveniences of modern life. Along with its green pastures grazed by cows, horses, sheep, and goats, Waimea hosts excellent schools, a modern hospital, the Kahilu Theater, shopping centers, numerous restaurants, and more!