maui stargazing tour reviews

Maui Stargazing

Review Highlights

“ Jan provides ski jackets and pants (gloves and hats also) as it does get chilly at 10,000+ elevation. ” in 75 reviews

“ The day of our tour I was looking up the weather for Haleakala and the chances for rain was 50 percent. ” in 20 reviews

“ What we saw through her telescope were stars and planets in a way that you just can't see with the naked eye. ” in 32 reviews

Location & Hours

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15200 Haleakala Hwy

Kula, HI 96790

Serving Kula Area

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About the business.

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Business Owner

Join Maui Stargazing for sunset atop Haleakala Summit and stay for stargazing through Maui's Largest Portable Telescope. See galaxies, planets, nebulae and star clusters under a canopy of stars. …

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Hi there! I've never been to Maui so I'm wondering if it's hard to drive in the mountains at night? I know for the sunset / stargazing tour we go up when it is still bright but how about after it finishes? Will it be dark and dangerous?

After the stargazing tour finishes, it will be dark. If you follow certain rules, it will not be dangerous. Let me explain. The road is winding, meandering down the Haleakala mountain, turning this way and that. But at that hour, no one is coming up… more

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Overall rating

Maui Stargazing was an awesome experience. My review is delayed. We were there in October 2023. Jan provided information in advance to help us make the most of the experience. We grabbed dinner from the food trucks, relaxed and enjoyed the view and conversation traveling to the top of Haleakala, making a couple of stops along the way. Our final stop was less populated where we sat comfortably and enjoyed spectacular views of the sunset and finally, stargazing. Not only was Jan a wonderful tour guide, host and teacher; We lucked out with an amazing group of 7 diverse people who shared an interest in Hawaii, Nature and Stargazing. The group dynamic really made this one of my favorite experiences in Maui. And having warm, clean clothes provided for this one night of cold temperatures was a huge benefit. I highly recommend this tour. And if you're in Maui on the Pride of America Cruise, it's easy to rent a car or UBER to the pickup spot and then back to the ship. This is not listed on the ship's list of excursions, so you just need to make your own arrangements.

Maui star gazing review I would definitely recommend Star Gazing but not with maui Star Gazing. Our tour guide treated all of us as if we were children.  Very snarky and rude.  We were all grown adults and were talked down to like 5th graders the entire trip. Jan," it's not what you say it's the way you say it"

Had a blast and learned a lot with Jan as our guide to the cosmos. The extraordinary views through the telescope included multiple galaxies, the moon, Venus, Jupiter with four of its moons, Saturn, star clusters, nebulae, and more. Jan's love for astronomy is infectious. I'll book another session with her the next time I'm in Maui!

Jan's Stargazing Tour was an epic adventure of the cosmos.

I surprised my husband and close friend with this excursion to Maui Stargazing and it certainly lived up to and surpassed our excitement and expectation. All week, we were so concerned about the weather on the peak of Haleakala and on the day of the trip, Jan, the astronomer and tour guide, was in close contact with me about the weather forecast, her expertise mixed with her expectation, and her transparency about Haleakala's rapid changing climate. Obviously, weather is mostly unpredictable and we decided to gamble on Jan's experience. She gave us an overview of how some of the previous nights had gone and what she did to accommodate her guests. She also texted me pics of the peak as the day went on and satellite images that reassured us. What a PAYOFF. What was expected to be 29% coverage was actually a perfectly clear oasis of stars, planets, constellations and everything else. Jan expertly operates her 12" Dobsonian telescope and gave a clearly thoughtful opening speech after the sun sets and around dinner time. We were able to access what Jan called her "favorite spot for stars" and we got to stay there as long as we pleased. Jan was very clear on meeting times and very clear in her emails and texts about how to prepare with food, clothing, driving, and where to go and how to park SO DO NOT MISS HER EMAILS OR TEXTS! We had originally counted on the Kula Market (where the meeting place is) to have dinner options, but this was more a gift shop. Before we got to the meet, there was a really nice local market where we could pick up dinner. We ultimately set out with an arrival goal of 30 mins before meet time to be able to pick up our food. I would suggest this too, unless you have a cooler. During pandemic times, Jan is not providing rides. This is explicitly clear on her website and confirmation emails. So bring a driver who is okay with driving to a peak of the volcano. It was STUNNING to drive. Jan also escorts you up in her sprinter. She took us to multiple points on the peak where we could spend 20-30 mins looking all around Maui from the top and into the crater of Haleakala. I am still amazed. When we got to our destination, she has a short speech about important things the tour will do with her and then we are given an expert guide to the stars with her telescope, laser pointer, ipad with imagery about what you're looking for and the relevance of the stars to the season in which you're viewing them. She was phenomenal with how quickly she could orient to the celestial bodies and made viewing nebulae even more exciting by switching through her filters to give us different examples of the view. We saw FIVE galaxies! We got in all the goal celestial bodies and even a handful of others that were Jan's favorites. After that we stayed longer to just enjoy a night of the stars and the milky way. Jan, herself, was friendly, knowledgeable, caring, and deeply passionate about her job. It is crystal clear that she cares about your experience as a customer, too. Well done. This became, easily, the biggest highlight of our 9 days in Maui. MUCH RECOMMENDATION. By the time we got back to our hotel, Jan had written a thank-you email that had the names of everything we saw, links to the peak cams and so much more additional information.

The best experience we had on our whole trip!!!! Amazing fun from start to finish. Jan was so knowledgeable and personable. We had plenty of time to explore the area, had a wonderful sunset view, and amazing view time.

If you already know a lot about astronomy or *really* want to look into a telescope in an amazing spot -- one of the best in the world to do so -- then you'll love this. I didn't. I loved looking at the stars, and I'd definitely recommend staying until after the sun goes down to stargaze. But for the money for the tour, I had hoped for more than a quick 10min explanation at the beginning and a quick shuffle by the telescope. It felt kind of like checking off a list - 'let's move the telescope here and look at this," and our group quickly got up, looked, and then passed to the next person. When I asked questions, I felt like I was intruding, and I left with more questions than when I showed up. For more information we were told to look at the iPad. When she used the pointer to show the constellations, that was also just super quick. There was such an opportunity to help attendees share the wonder of the people who imagined those constellations, but that wasn't part of the evening. Basically, it's an expensive tour to stay warm (which is helpful, it's nice to have warm clothing) and quickly look through a powerful telescope multiple times. If that's what you want, you'll love it. I personally wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't already a knowledgeable astronomy buff, and certainly not to most kids; I don't think there's enough explanation/guiding to keep younger people (or even me) engaged. That said, it's an absolutely gorgeous spot, and the night sky is amazing, so go there! Go during the day and walk around; if you can stay for sunset then that, too, because it's magnificent; if you have time and can stay and marvel at the stars and planets and the milky way, definitely do so.

Jan has developed a fantastic stargazing adventure. It was well planned to the smallest detail. She is knowledgeable and her passion and joy of astronomy permeates the evening. She strives for everyone to enjoy learning about heavenly bodies viewed from the phenomenal location of Haleakala. I live in rater dark sky Midwest but I had never seen so many stars. The 12 inch telescope was great for viewing stellar objects but what impressed me the most was the one used for photographing nebulae, constellations and galaxies. Itlayered images together and used WiFi connections to an app on our phones so we could each view to telescopic image on our phones. She also had tablets mounted on her van so we could view larger images and we downloaded these images to our phones. The details included ski pants, parkas, fingerless gloves, hot beverages of coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The whole excursion far exceeded my expectations! Ernie Ferguson, Ph.D.

Whirlpool Galaxy

If you love the stars, moon and celestial objects, this tour is perfect for you! It's a bit of a long tour starting at 3pm and ending at 10pm. Plan ahead and bring snacks and light dinner. Jan provides ski jackets and pants (gloves and hats also) as it does get chilly at 10,000+ elevation. We were able to see great views of the moon, Saturn, many star clusters, and a super bright falling star (meteor). Communication was excellent from the beginning after booking tour to day prior reminder, day of information and after tour information on all objects seen! Jan is knowledgeable and all around great person.

The mountain and stars are lovely. Our guide picked a very good, quiet spot. The telescopes were adequate to enjoy seeing some deep sky images. This tour requires you to drive your own vehicle and pay park fees. The tour was very expensive. There was coffee and cocoa, but no food. We brought our own food. Bottom line, you drive yourself and feed yourself. For the price of your family on this tour, you could buy a telescope and go yourself, or just admire the stars with a chair and binoculars after sunset. There is no assistance with getting off the volcano at night safely. The main reason I would not recommend this tour is if you have a family. Jan does not connect well with kids. She has many criticisms, quirky rules and reprimands, mostly to kids, but adults are not immune. The dog whistle to hurry up was really rude, especially since we had an injured person in our party, Also, there was no constellation story part of this tour. Jan did show all the constellations with the laser, but it was clinical. I guess I look for a little more imagination, legend and wonder on an astronomy program. My advice to this tour would be: Be more pleasant or at least less rude Wait with guests to make sure all are safely off the mountain Add some local legends and culture Offer transportation on and off mountain Offer some food. It is social.

Thanks Jan for an awesome stargazing trip even thou the clouds did not cooperate 100% of the time. We will bring our big fan next time ;) We both enjoyed it and highly recommend this to any one visiting Maui. Use Jan's stargazing tour as an opportunity to visit Haleakala National Park and summit if you don't already have it on your Maui todo list. Or if it is on your list, as it was ours go up earlier in the day and hike and site see on your own before meeting Jan and her awesome Mercedes Benz Stargazing Van at the Kula lodge and market. Jan is incredibly knowledgeable about the heavens and provides an excellent educational and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Jan has coats and winter pants, hats, gloves, coffees, cocoa, teas chairs and really runs a fantastic stargazing trip. Mahalo Jan!

See all photos from Fred B. for Maui Stargazing

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Maui Stargazing - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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MAUI STARGAZING: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

AstroJunkies.com

Astronomy Tips, Gear and Reviews.

Stargazing in Maui: Everything You Need To Know

Maui is an absolutely beautiful place for any vacation, and you’ll never be at a loss for things to do. You’ll find plenty of great places to eat, rest, and even gaze up at the sky. The last one might not sound like something everyone does in Maui, but did you know that stargazing in Maui is one of the best places for a little late night sky surfing?

Picture this:

You come back from a long day of fantastic Hawaiian adventures, and as night falls you feel a bit lost. Then, without warning, your eyes take you skyward and you notice something shocking…you can see almost all of the stars perfectly.

No, not the cluster of little white dots you’re used to…but the shapes and colors that paint an unadulterated night sky in pristine clarity. What if there was a way to see this more deeply? That’s what you’ll know once you finish reading this.

This is why, today, we want to show you everything there is to know about stargazing in Maui. We’ll be taking you on a tour of one of the world’s best stargazing hot-spots. So if you have a little stargazing in you – or even if you’re looking for something new to try out – you’ll definitely want to pay very close attention to what we have to say.

Now, keep in mind that we’ll be going through quite a bit of information. Feel free to skip around at your leisure, but we always recommend that you read each and every section to stay well informed. With that being said, here is a brief look at what we’ll be going over:

• The best time of the year for stargazing in Maui
• The best locations to start stargazing in Maui
• The guided tours you can embark on for stargazing in Maui
• The best gear to bring with you for stargazing
• Some solid places to hang your hat and dine in Maui

Things to do while you’re not stargazing in Maui

• A brief recap of everything we’ve gone over so far

Now that you know about what’s on the menu, let’s dive right in and take a look at how to start stargazing in Maui.

Sit back, relax, and get ready to have your mind blown.

Best time of year for stargazing in Maui

Everyone loves a vacation to Hawaii right? It’s a great place to have a meal, enjoy a nice night view, and a wonderful place to explore. Plus, to be quite honest with you, Hawaii is a popular place to visit all year long. The summer may be a bit on the hot side, but Hawaii makes up for this with beautiful beach side resorts.

While Hawaii may be a great place to go all year round, the same rules don’t exactly apply for stargazing in Maui. So in this section, we’ll show you how to enhance your vacation schedule in a way that lines up perfectly for stargazing in Maui.

So what is the best time?

There is no exact time of the year where you’ll see the most stars, but you should always keep an eye on the moon. This is due to the fact that a new moon – or anytime after a full moon really – will be the best time to do some stargazing in Maui.

The moon will actually add some light pollution so you’ll want to avoid that. Aside from that, you’ll really be able to go during anytime of the year!

If you really want to get some good viewing, try to look for a meteor shower. This will create some really cool experiences, and you’ll be left with a night sky that really blows your mind away.

Best locations for stargazing in Maui

If you want to do some serious stargazing in Maui, you’ll definitely need a game plan. This means that you should map out some location to go, this way you’re keeping the amount of light pollution to a minimum.

Therefore, in this section of our in depth guide, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best places to go. Before jumping right in, please keep in mind that most of these locations require a bit of travel, so make sure you’re ready for an adventure.

Haleakala Summit

If you want to get the most out of stargazing in Maui, drop everything (except you’re favorite telescope), and head up to Haleakala Summit. This volcanic trip will take you roughly 10,000 feet above sea level, and in doing so, you’ll be in a perfect place to do some stargazing.

Make sure you’re ready for the hike, because it can be a bit taxing, but you’ll soon discover that making the trip is well worth it. Trust us on that one.

Kalahaku Overlook

Kalahaku Overlook is a must-see spot for stargazing in Maui. This is due to the fact that region puts you in an excellent spot for stargazing. You’ll be hanging out on a volcano, which is pretty cool, and you’ll also be over 9,000 feet above sea level. So when it comes to looking at the stars, this is definitely an experience that you don’t want to miss.

Lipoa Point

This is more of an exclusive location, and if you’re not the type of person who wants to hike up a volcano, Liopa point is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll want to bring a telescope or binoculars for the best view, but you won’t have to worry about light pollution in Liopa Point. You can really get creative with this spot, because there are some really interesting angles you can get on the night sky.

Honomanu Bay

If you’re someone who loves to watch a sunset, you’ll definitely want to checkout Honomanu Bay. This is due to the fact that the sunset will be absolutely breathtaking, and once the sun finally sets beneath the water you’ll be met with a gorgeous view of the Maui night sky. It’s not as high up as some of the other locations we mentioned, but this is definitely a great spot to partake in some casual stargazing.

Star Lookout

As the name suggests, Star Lookout is must-see spot when it comes to stargazing in Maui. This is due to the fact that the location is far away from light pollution, and light pollution aside, you’ll be almost 3,000 feet above sea level. The height is great because you don’t need to do too much climbing to see the stars in a really impressive way.

When it comes to stargazing in Maui, there are so many beautiful locations to set up shop. This is due to the fact that Maui has beautiful volcanoes, beaches, and even farmland.

Guided tours available for stargazing in Maui

If you’re new to stargazing, or not too sure about where to go, make sure you hop on one of the various tours that Maui provides. Not every tour is going to be stargazing oriented, but that doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck. In this case, we have two excellent tours that come to mind. Let’s take a quick look.

Hyatt Rooftop Tour

The Hyatt Regency Hotel is one of the many resorts that will provide you with a great tour of the stars. This is due to the fact that they have a rooftop that is 9 floors up, and to be quite honest with you, the location is a great spot for some stargazing.

So if you do decide to stay at the Hyatt, be prepared for a tour that can change your life. The good news about this tour is that a lot of the equipment will be provided, so if you’re looking for some casual viewing this is definitely a great destination.

Celestial Cruise

One of the best ways to get a great look at the night sky is to do it on the water. Who doesn’t love a trip out to the ocean right? Luckily, in Maui, the Pacific Whale Foundation will actually allow you to journey out with them for stargazing.

The times and schedule does vary, but most of the tours will leave around sunset. Therefore, to be honest, you’ll get a beautiful sunset and excellent stargazing experience with this tour.

Book an astronomer!

The beauty of stargazing in Maui is the fact that there are plenty of astronomers to go around. Everyone knows this is one of the premier spots in the world to do some serious stargazing, so booking an astronomer to journey with you to a place like Haleakala Summit shouldn’t be too difficult. The prices do vary, so just make sure that you keep this in mind when looking into a tour.

With so many astronomers at the ready, and popular tourist locations, you should have no trouble finding a tour that is perfect for you in Maui.

Best astronomy gear to bring with you for stargazing in Maui

When it comes to stargazing in Maui you definitely want to be prepared, right? Sure, anyone can look up at the night sky and see some stars, but if you really want to enhance your experience you’ll need to bring some gear with you.

Luckily, Amazon is a great place to stock up on all sorts of gear.

Did you know the best way to view the stars and planets is by purchasing an inexpensive telescope such as those readily available on Amazon ?

If you’re in the market for a new telescope we’ve put together some great review articles here:

• Best Telescopes Under $200
• Best Telescope Under $500

Some solid places to hang your hat and have a nice meal

Now, if you’ll be heading down to Maui with a bunch of equipment and an idea, you’ll need a place to rest and eat. Luckily, being the very popular vacation spot that it is, Maui has some really good island cuisine and resorts. Plus, if you plan things out right, some of these resorts will actually all be pretty well suited for stargazing as well.

Hyatt Regency Hotel

As we mentioned in our tour section, you’ll notice that the Hyatt Regency Hotel is really the place to be in Maui. If you’ll be doing anytime of stargazing in Maui, you’ll definitely want to consider this hotel. As we previously mentioned, you’ll find a great tour, an even better view of the island, and a great place to rest your head and drift away.

Joey’s Kitchen

So you want to eat a crazy Hawaiian meal, huh? If you do, please do yourself a favor and head on down to Joey’s Kitchen. This place will blow your mind with some crazy menu items, one of which is a burger patty slapped on a bed of delicious white rice. The sauce is good, the food is even better, and you’ll be craving this place for years to come.

Ululani’s Hawaiian Ice

Have you ever had a Hawaiian ice? If you have -and just thought it was a brand of ice- well then you’re sadly mistaken. For some reason Hawaii is really great at making tasty ice, so while you’re there, you should definitely give this popular dessert location a try. It can help cool you off, but it will also make your tastebuds dance.

MauiGrown Coffee

Did you know that Maui is a coffee hotspot? This means that they actually grow their own coffee down in Maui, and when you’re up all night enjoying the night sky you’ll need a recharge. This is why it’s an absolute must to head on down to MauiGrown Coffee. You’ll be able to see beautiful coffee farms while you choose from around 50 flavors of coffee. Not a bad way to start your day, right?

With some really great places to stay and eat, stargazing in Maui is really one of the best places to stargaze in the world.

When you’re in Maui, it’s like you’re in a different world. The island provides some great places to checkout the night sky, but it also has a lot of great things to do during the day. Plus, you obviously can’t be stargazing the entire time, so in this section we’ll be taking a look at some great things to do during the day.

Hike a volcano

If you’re someone who loves to do a bit of adventuring, feel free to hike any of the volcanos that we mentioned. During the day the experience can be quite interesting, and you’ll also shed off some calories from all the fantastic meals. Climbing a volcano is not like climbing a mountain, which means that you’ll have a truly unique experience.

Black sand beaches

The beauty of Maui is that the location features some of the most popular black sand beaches. The sand is a really interesting shade, and to be quite honest with you it’s something you’ll be dying to get back too. The landscape surrounding most of the beaches makes photography an excellent choice, so if you want to take a break (or selfie) head on down to the coast for a really great beach experience.

Do you like surfing?

The typical stigma around Hawaii in general is that the “surf is up.” So if you’re a surfer, or even if you want to give surfing a try, take some time to head on down to Kaanapali surf school. The instructors there are great, and they can really have you shredding the waves in absolutely no time at all.

Lahaina Historic Trail

If you’re a history buff, or someone who loves to learn, please take a tour of the Lahaina Historic Trail. Keep in mind that there is a lot of walking involved, but you’ll be welcomed by a page right out of history. Starting at the Lahaina museum, you’ll be able to experience the vast history of Hawaii. If you will be doing this activity, just make sure that you plan a whole day.

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is an excellent place to watch the sun rise. The crater will reflect some awesome colors, and if you want a beautiful picture in Maui this is the place to get it. The volcanic perimeter makes for some really great camera angle, and it’s very difficult to find a better view anywhere on the planet. So do yourself a favor, and head on down to Haleakala National Park. Plus, once the day is done, hike up the volcano for some great stargazing.

Stargazing in Maui is a great thing to do. There is so much fun and adventure to be had during the day that you can really have a well rounded vacation and experience.

Stargazing in Maui – Recap

We know that we went over a lot of information today, so make sure that you take some time to soak it all in. If you’ll be heading out to do some stargazing in Maui, you want to make sure that you’re prepared. Preparation is essential when it comes to getting the most out of stargazing, so make sure that you always have the right equipment.

Well I hope we’ve equipped you with some good and relevant information in this article. Stargazing in Maui should be on every enthusiasts bucket list. If you enjoyed this article, check out some of our other articles below:

• Stargazing In Sedona: Everything You Need To Know
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• Stargazing In Death Valley: A Complete Guide
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• Telescopes vs Binoculars for Astronomy
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Best Places to See the Stars on Maui

From remote lookouts to a hotel rooftop, discover the darkest skies on Hawaii's 'Valley Isle.'

Gangil Gwon/EyeEm/Getty Images

The Hawaiian Islands are hotbeds of volcanic activity, but fiery lava and continuous sunshine aren't the only sources of natural light on this idyllic archipelago. After dark, the sky over Maui dazzles with the glow of the Milky Way, the twinkle of thousands of stars. It's an astrophile's paradise.

While traces of modern-day light pollution plague parts of the island — such as Kahului and Lahaina — the majority of Maui offers dark-sky views like constellation soup. Here, binoculars or a telescope, a warm blanket, or even the hood of a car are all that's needed to participate in one of humankind's most ancient and romantic experiences.

Here are the best places on Maui to see a celestial event, or simply to soak in the silence and solitude of night in Hawaii.

Kalahaku Overlook

One thing to know before visiting Haleakalā National Park is that the stargazing there rivals the sunrise in terms of impressibility. From the upper slopes of the expansive Haleakalā crater, the Milky Way stretches like a celestial zipper connecting two sides of the sky, and there are often more shooting stars racing across the darkness than you have wishes for. At about 9,300 feet, Kalahaku Overlook offers a dark, private, and elevated corner, as well as the best view when a rising moon illuminates the crater floor (don't worry — the volcano is dormant). Just remember to bring a jacket as the air up there is cooler.

Haleakalā Summit

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Even higher than the Kalahaku Overlook, standing at just over 10,000 feet, is Haleakalā's summit. This could be one of your best bets for breaking through low clouds for a good view of the night sky — and don't worry, you won't have to climb it. The summit of this massive shield volcano is drivable. Go early in the morning, before dawn, to see one of the best sunrises of your life.

Science City

Michele Falzone/Getty Images

Adjacent to Haleakalā's summit, the Haleakalā Observatory — aka " Science City " — sits on 18 acres of wide-open terra firma. This high-altitude space surveillance complex was erected in 1958 and is celebrated for having observed the highest number of asteroids monitored in a single night (19) in the world. Don't expect to gain access to its solar telescope — the largest on Earth, no less — or any of the structures at Science City, for that matter. But you can post up with your own equipment just outside for the next best view.

Lipoa Point

In West Maui’s agricultural heyday, this rugged, volcanic, panoramic headland was covered in pineapples. Today, thanks to local conservation efforts that halted proposed developments, a blanket of stars still canvasses the sky above Honolua Bay. Lipoa Point, about a mile walk from the dirt parking area, provides the perfect vantage point for watching the sun gradually set over the knife-thin ridges of Moloka‘i in the distance. Just be sure to bring plenty of light for the walk back as the trail is a bit overgrown and unmarked.

Honomanu Bay

Set along the world-famous Road to Hana, the black sands of Honomanu Bay mirror the inky black sky of night on this remote part of the island. The taro-rich unincorporated town of Ke‘anae is the closest semblance of civilization, and it has only a tiny population. While sightseers crowd the beach by day, the occasional fisherman and the crashing surf are the only nighttime companions.

Ma'alaea

Pretzel Logic/Getty Images

One surefire way to separate yourself from light pollution is to take to the water via a stargazing cruise. PacWhale Eco-Adventures offers a Sunset and Celestial Cruise that departs from Maʻalaea Harbor on the west side of Maui. Guests are joined by astronomer Harriet Witt, who teaches about the stars and the importance of the night sky in Polynesian wayfinding. Tours are offered year-round and last two and a half hours.

Star Lookout

The Pleiades meet pastureland at this rustic cabin in the verdant upcountry of Maui. Tucked out of the way on a country road in rural Keokea, at 2,900 feet of elevation, the aptly named Star Lookout vacation rental is the perfect place to stargaze while sipping hot chocolate from the privacy of a wraparound deck. Better yet, from the hot tub. The cabin's hilltop location offers sweeping views across the valley and the wide-open sky. No neighbors. No lights. No sounds. No problem.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

On the roof of a hotel isn't the first place you'd think to go for stargazing — it's certainly different than the remote and rustic locales on this list — but Hyatt Regency's Maui outpost has been called the world's best hotel for stargazing. It embraces the moniker with a nightly rooftop astronomy program, Tour of the Stars , during which experts talk about celestial phenomena like Hōkūle'a, Hawaii’s zenith star. Hōkūle'a reaches its highest point in the sky when it's directly over Hawaii. The program is held Thursdays through Mondays and requires a reservation.

Welcome to Maui... Maui Star Trekkers is now open for astronomy tours and stargazing activities in Maui.

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Our Astronomy Tour at the Haleakala Slope

Enhance your travel activities with  an astronomy tour of the  Haleakala Slope Evening sky.

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(808) 212-9890 | [email protected]

EVENING ASTRONOMY

Tours on maui island.

Maui.Star.TreKKers is a newly launched business offering evening astronomy tours on the island. We explore the universe and study the night sky while watching the stars come out.  

Our tours are offered every night after sunset

What you get to see.

When we start the tour, we follow the night sky chasing the planets, stars, and galaxies, reveal exciting information about the heavens in simple language. The majesty of the night sky is unveiled every night for your viewing pleasure. The mysteries of the universe are discussed, and you will depart with a much greater appreciation of our solar system, Milky Way galaxy, and beyond. 

To the Stars & Beyond

We discuss the sun, the origin of our solar system, and reveal some interesting facts of the universe. The moon, a few selected stars, and constellations will be viewed and observed. We also show Nebula and some galaxies. All this makes for exciting cosmic adventures. 

Most objects will be identified in the night sky with either a telescope or laser or both. The tour will be one or two hours long and will cost $100 per person. If you want to learn more, please feel free to contact us at (808) 212-9890 or write to [email protected] .

Take Away Thought

'The human mind, no matter how highly trained, cannot grasp the universe. We see a universe marvelously arranged, obeying certain laws, but we understand the laws only dimly. Our limited minds cannot grasp the mysterious force that sways the constellations.'

~ Albert Einstein

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Enjoy the Sunset – Stay for Stargazing

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 5 hours
• Users Group size: Limited to 11 people

Sunset followed by Stargazing at Haleakala National Park

Join Maui Stargazing for a stunning sunset in the summit district of Haleakala National Park followed by a science-based, 60-minute guided telescope tour of the cosmos. Observe the most deep-sky objects through the largest portable telescope on Haleakala. See the visible planets and deep-sky objects of the Milky Way, including nebulae, star clusters, and the galaxies beyond through a 12-inch aperture Dobsonian telescope. Stay warm in our winter jackets and snowboard pants in children’s sizes on up to adult size 4-XL.

Your Astronomy Tour Includes

• Sunset in Haleakala National Park
• Expert astronomer
• Guided survey of the constellations
• Largest portable telescope on Haleakala
• 60 to 90 minutes of telescope time
• See the best views of deep-space objects in the field setting
• Winter jackets, fleece hats and gloves
• Insulated snow pants in your size
• Family-friendly observing site with restrooms and paved surfaces
• Meet your astronomer at the food trucks near Longs Drugs, 55 Kiopaa Place, Makawao, HI 96768. Park and board our Mercedes Sprinter for your astronomy excursion.

Guests bring their own dinner and beverages. Space is limited so no coolers or ice cubes please.

Dress as warmly as possible. Bring closed shoes or boots with thick socks, long pants, and a long sleeve shirt, fleece hoodie or sweatshirt. Maui Stargazing supplies winter outerwear, including snowboarding pants, heavy winter coats, hats and gloves, but you still need the layers described above.

Bring water, and optional: sunglasses, sunscreen, wide brim hat, camera, and a tripod.

Wear your contact lenses or prescription glasses for distance for telescope observing.

Guests who are prone to motion sickness, please hydrate and consider taking an over-the-counter, non-drowsy motion sickness remedy and using pressure point wrist bands.

• Chevron down Meeting Location

Long Drugs 55 Kiopaa St, Makawao, HI 96768, United States Click  here  for directions.

You will find your astronomer parked on the street level just past the Long Drugs sign. Please park your vehicle in the bus or car parking area.

• Chevron down Weather Policy

If Maui Stargazing cancels a tour due to inclement weather, guests may receive a full refund or reschedule to another night. Maui Stargazing does not control the weather. Forecasts are not always accurate. Not all tours are conducted under perfectly clear skies. In most cases conditions allow telescope observing, so our policy is to proceed with tours unless we are certain of poor conditions. Once a tour has entered the national park, there are no refunds. If weather prevents meaningful stargazing the guests may have a rain check valid for one year.

• Chevron down Terms and Conditions
• No scuba diving within 24 hours before your tour date to avoid decompression sickness. (It’s okay to snorkel/swim).
• This tour takes place at high elevation, under darkness and on uneven surfaces, so it is not recommended for those with chronic conditions, respiratory, circulatory and cardiac conditions, those with mobility impairments, or people in poor health. Maui Stargazing tours may not be appropriate for those with pacemakers, walkers, wheel chairs or oxygen tanks. Please consult their physician and call Maui Stargazing before booking if you have questions.
• All activities are at your own risk. No liability, expressed or implied, rests with Maui Stargazing LLC or its officers.
• Minimum age for this tour is 4 years or 40 pounds. Parents of children weighing 40-85 pounds and under 4’9” need to bring a booster seat according to Hawaii State law.
• Maui Stargazing utilizes the largest portable telescope on Haleakala, which offers the best views in the field setting. The objects will not appear as they do in the Hubble Space Telescope or photographs.
• Haleakala Observatories are off limits to the public and not included in this tour.
• If you need to cancel, notify Maui Stargazing via email at  [email protected]  ASAP so others may reserve their spot on the tour.
• No refunds for no shows or cancellations within 72 hours of check in time.
• Changes to reservations are not permitted within 72 hours prior to the tour.
• Maui Stargazing LLC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a tour at the discretion of the management.
• Observing locations and equipment can be subject to change without notice.
• Wait for instructions before touching the telescope.
• For your safety please remove shoes and be seated while putting on and taking off snow pants.

By purchasing your stargazing tour you agree to these terms.

Aloha! We look forward to meeting you!

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About Haleakala Observatories

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• Sunset Dinner Cruises (8)
• Sunset Cocktail Cruises (11)
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Maui Sunset Cocktail Cruise & Stargazing Tour with Award-Winning Astronomer

3.5 hour(s)

Available sat, pick-up not available, what to expect, boat information - ocean voyager.

• Length: 65 feet
• Certified for 130 passengers
• High-tech, modern double-deck power catamaran delivers ultra-smooth ride
• Spacious cabin and outdoor areas
• Large wildlife viewing area on back of top deck
• Large viewing windows in main cabin
• Galley with bar and serving area
• Comfortable armchair seats

Check-in at Maalaea Harbor

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

Start time :

• Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store (Suite 211)

Location, direction and description

• Please be advised that there is a fee for parking in Maʻalaea boat harbor lots along the waterfront and at the parking lot at the Maʻalaea Harbor Shops which fronts Maui Ocean Center. Pacific Whale Foundation is located in the Harbor Shops courtyard. If your party includes mobility challenged passengers, please park in the handicapped spots just in front of our Ocean Store. Then send a member of your party to check in at the store and to get further directions on driving to the boat.

Important activity information

Restrictions.

• Children of all ages can participate in this activity.

Additional notes

• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• The menu is subject to change without notice.
• Gratuity is not included in the price.
• If you are driving on your own, you will be required to pay a parking fee.

Required items to bring & attire

• Sweatshirt / light jacket
• A valid government-issued photo ID is required to consume alcohol

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

• You can book a maximum of 65.

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• Any cancellations made after 16:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

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