Check out our Frequently Asked Questions!
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- We show the most celestial objects of any astronomy tour through a 12” aperture Dobsonian telescope, the largest portable telescope on Maui. Telescope time is 60 to 90minutes.
- Our tours welcome individuals, couples and families with children as young as 4 years on up to nonagenarians.
- Memorable for date nights, anniversaries and honeymoons
- Guests receive the evening’s observing list and an educational PDF with photographs and explanations of the celestial objects.
- Our tour supplies warm outerwear, including jackets, windproof insulating snow pants, hats and gloves.
- We have a hot beverage service before sunset with coffee, hot cocoa and an assortment of herbal teas.
- We supply sturdy folding chairs for sunset
- Our guide has extensive experience and takes you to the best scenic spots before the crowds arrive.
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- The meeting location is Kula Lodge and Marketplace: 15200 Haleakala Highway, Kula, HI 96790
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- We meet 3 hours before sunset. This gives us time to reach the summit of Haleakala 1.5 hours before sunset. Your guide will monitor the conditions and determine the most advantageous spot for the sunset picnic and stargazing.
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- This sunset and stargazing tour lasts 6 to 7 hours. We meet 3-4 hrs before sunset to ensure we reach the summit before the crowds. We usually spend only 30 mins at the summit before leaving to visit other scenic areas.
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- Check this link to our observing lists by month: Tonight’s Sky | Maui Stargazing.
- Maui Stargazing shows telescope views of the star clusters, nebulae and galaxies the moon and visible planets. We use a laser pointer to highlight constellations and other points of interest in the night sky.
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- Maui Stargazing does not pick up at resorts. It is advised to have a rental vehicle to reach the meeting location: Kula Lodge and Marketplace, 15200 Haleakala Highway, Kula HI 96790. Guests park on the street level parking lot above the marketplace just past the Kula Lodge and board our black 2024 Mercedes Sprinter van for the 6-7 hour tour. Those without a rental vehicle may arrange other transportation to and from the meeting location and it is advised to prearrange the pick up.
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- The drive is very safe and the roads leading to Haleakala Summit are well maintained. The first half takes 25 minutes on a well-maintained state highway through scenic Haleakala Ranch cattle pastures. The second half is within Haleakala National Park and on a well-maintained federal road. Your driver is experienced at driving the route, having conducted nearly 2,000 tours over the last 10 years.
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- If you are prone to motion sickness please ask to sit forward, take a medication if needed, and ask to pull over if you feel ill. Each leg of the drive is 25 minutes so it’s not a long duration on winding roads.
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- We strongly recommend that guests bring warm layers including a long-sleeved shirt with a fleece hoodie, long pants and closed shoes with thick socks over the ankle. Maui Stargazing provides warm jackets and snow pants, hats, and gloves.
- Do not under-estimate the cold at Haleakala. It may be Hawaii but wind chill can reach 28F.
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- Warm layers of clothing and closed shoes.
- Guests bring their own meals, snacks, and beverages, no coolers or bags of ice.
- Optional items include hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, cameras, tripods.
- No eating or drinking aboard van expect water. Maximum time without a restroom is 30 mins.
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- Sorry, no. Haleakala observatories are research and military facilities and are off limits to the public.
- Maui Stargazing tours take place within the boundaries of Haleakala National Park, and sometimes outside the park if it’s foggy at the summit. We can take photos of the observatories from the summit peak.
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- Maui Stargazing will cancel in advance of a tour if we think the weather will be bad. Guests have the option to receive a 100% refund or reschedule at no charge.
- If we think there’s a chance for a clear night, we will proceed with the tour.
- This excursion provides an extensive tour of Haleakala National Park with a sunset picnic and a good chance of stargazing with a large aperture telescope. It’s not possible to predict the extent of cloud cover with 100% accuracy and we cannot guarantee clear skies. If clouds prevent stargazing after sunset you’ll receive a 25% refund or you may reschedule at no charge.
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- Maui Stargazing is committed to providing a quality experience and we will cancel in advance of a tour if we think clouds will prevent meaningful stargazing. For canceled tours you may reschedule at no charge or receive a full refund.
- This excursion provides an extensive tour of Haleakala National Park with a sunset picnic and a good chance of stargazing with a large aperture telescope. It’s not possible to predict the extent of cloud cover with 100% accuracy and we cannot guarantee clear skies. If clouds prevent stargazing you’ll receive a 25% refund or you may reschedule at no charge.
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Credit card payments are accepted exclusively.
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- Yes, you are welcome to tip the tour guide.
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- The tour is conducted in the national park and the park is wheelchair accessible. Maui Stargazing’s van is not wheelchair accessible so you will need to bring your wheelchair in your own vehicle. Also, Maui Stargazing’s guide is not able to assist with the wheelchair.
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- No. Guests provide their own booster seat.
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- You may bring a pet or service dog in your own vehicle and follow the tour.
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- Maui Stargazing provides folding chairs for the sunset picnic, a hot beverage before sunset, warm outerwear, and a telescope for observing celestial objects weather permitting. Our guide knows the most scenic spots to visit within the park and the best timing to avoid possible crowds.
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- Maui Stargazing provides chairs, outerwear, and a hot beverage. We have the largest portable telescope on Haleakala for the stargazing portion of the tour.
- You are welcome to bring binoculars, a tripod and camera gear or a small telescope if you have one.
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- Because guests have such diverse dietary preferences and restrictions, they bring their own meal and beverages (no alcohol please). Maui Stargazing provides hot water to make Starbucks coffee, Swiss Miss cocoa, and an assortment of herbal teas.
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- We do not pick up at resorts. We advise guests to rent a car or prearrange for transportation to and from the meeting spot. If you use a taxi or Uber, be sure to arrange for the late evening pick up in advance.
- Meeting location is Kula Lodge and Marketplace: 15200 Haleakala Highway, Kula, HI 96790
- Park and board our Mercedes Sprinter Van for the 6-7 hour tour.
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- If Maui Stargazing cancels in advance of the tour due to weather, guests may receive a full refund or reschedule at no charge.
- Often cloudy afternoons give way to clear skies by sunset but we cannot guarantee clear skies. If clouds prevent stargazing on your tour you’ll receive a 25% refund or you may reschedule at no charge.
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- You must cancel 72 hours before a tour to receive a 100% refund. No refunds for cancelations within the 72 hours.
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- This excursion provides an extensive tour of Haleakala National Park with a sunset picnic and a good chance of stargazing with a large aperture telescope. It’s not possible to predict the extent of cloud cover with 100% accuracy and we cannot guarantee clear skies. If clouds prevent stargazing you’ll receive a 25% refund or you may reschedule at no charge.