RESERVATIONSStargazing in Maui may not be one of the top-of-mind choices of most visitors to the Valley Isle. But Maui’s night sky is something to see, especially when the Milky Way is so visible from here.
Stargazing is great any time of year here. The Milky Way is most visible in Maui from April through August, especially when there is not a full moon. The clearest skies are in winter and summer, and the planets and stars are most visible then. Meteor showers are also visible during the summer months. So if it’s on your Maui bucket list, keep reading.
Best Places for Stargazing In Maui
You’ll need to go somewhere dark, an area without “light pollution.” That’s an area that doesn’t have a large number of city lights, such as residential and business areas. Check the weather forecast for clouds so that you can plan to go out when the stars are visible.
• Haleakalā National Park, where you can also see the most incredible sunset in the world
• Kalahaku Overlook
• Lipoa Point
• Honomanu Bay
Bring chairs, blankets for warmth, (keep reading) as well as your binoculars, a telescope, and of course, a camera to capture all the incredible views.
It’s also helpful to learn a little “star knowledge” by choosing one of several apps for your phone before your Maui visit.
Take A Tour for Stargazing in Maui
There are tours for nearly every activity in Maui, and stargazing is included. One of those is Maui Stargazing, a local tour company that offers tours in Haleakala National Park. The tour starts with one of the park’s fantastic sunsets and moves to a guided telescope tour of the night sky.
Expert astronomers lead the tour using the largest portable telescope on Haleakala, a 12-inch aperture Dobsonian telescope. You’ll see visible planets and other deep-sky objects within the Milky Way and have all of your questions answered.
There is a 30-minute ride to the Park, and the tour lasts a total of five to six hours. Arrive early at the Food Truck Court if you plan to order food.
Staying Warm At High Altitude
While Maui has mild subtropical temperatures at ground level, traveling upwards is another matter. Because higher elevations can get downright frigid at night, you’ll need to bring warm weather gear with you for the trek. Pack for a cold and long night, with warm clothes, sturdy shoes, snacks, and hot beverages such as water, hot coffee, and hot chocolate, since there are no concessions available.
Altitude can affect people differently, and many may come down with “altitude sickness” following the excursion. Going from a sea-level or lower area to a much higher area quickly does not give the body enough time to adjust to the lower oxygen level at a higher elevation. The symptoms are usually mild and reverse in a few days after descent.
Hana Kai Maui
No matter when you’re planning to visit Maui, we’re happy to see you. When it’s time, call us to book your next reservations at 1-800-346-2772, or book directly online. We’re open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Hawaii time to answer all your questions and book your perfect Hana vacation. Get in touch today to book your stay at Hana Kai Maui.
