Just 27 square miles short of equaling the entire size of Oahu, Mount Haleakala is a gentle giant — a dormant volcano that translates to "House of the Sun." While everyone talks about the sunsets and sunrises seen from atop Mount Haleakala, today, we’re talking about the time in between, when the night sky comes alive with stars. While you can go stargazing alone at the summit of Haleakala, the best way to experience this astronomical beauty for yourself is an excursion with Maui Astronomy Tours.
While many of Hawaii’s best excursions take place when the sun is shining high above the islands, there’s one adventure you absolutely must add to your Hawaii bucket list after the sun slips beyond the horizon: stargazing, of course!
Though the night sky is visible from many Aloha State locations, there’s little more we love than visiting the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountains for a little stargazing — in particular, Mount Haleakala.
To make the most of this experience, join Maui Astronomy Tours, also known as Maui Stargazing, to witness a stunning sunset at the summit of Haleakala followed by a science-based, 60-minute guided telescope tour of the cosmos.
Through the largest portable telescope on Haleakala, observe both our galaxy’s visible planets and deep-sky objects of the Milky Way — from star clusters and nebulae to the galaxies beyond.
Observation sites are family-friendly and you can expect to stay warm with winter jackets and snowboarding pants as well as polar fleece hats and gloves in a variety of sizes. You’ll also enjoy hot tea, coffee, or cocoa and an array of snacks.
Worried about the elevation ascent and navigating the winding summit road after dark? You won’t even have to drive to the summit yourself — each tour meets at the Kula Lodge 2.5 hours before sunset.
Whether you’re an extreme astronomy buff who looks to the skies whenever possible or are planning to go stargazing for the first time in your life, a tour with Maui Stargazing won’t disappoint. Just don’t forget your camera!
For more information about Maui Astronomy Tours, or to book your stargazing excursion, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook. Have you ever witnessed the ethereal beauty of the night sky above Haleakala? Share your experiences with us in the comments below and your photographs in our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group.
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