Hawaii Astronomy

Morning flight to Kahului Airport Hawaii, and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner. (3 Nights)

Explore Haleakalā National Park, an active shield volcano. We will learn about Hawaii’s indigenous animals and plants, including the endemic ‘āhinahina (silversword.) The park is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. Visit the Haleakala Observatory home to the 4-meter Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the largest solar telescope in the world. Dinner at a local restaurant and stargazing with Haleakalā Amateur Astronomers Club.

Go on a whale watching and snorkel Cruise. Whale watching season November – March. Lecture by Polynesian Navigator participant on the Mālama Honua - Worldwide Voyage of the Hōkūle‘a Polynesian Voyaging Canoe.

Depart for the airport and flight to Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Drop off luggage at the hotel in Hilo. Thereafter, morning lecture and guided tour at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center featuring Hawaiian language and Astronomy. The observatories in Hawaii are committed to giving Hawaiian names to all major discoveries made from their Hawaii telescopes. The naming program which is the only one of its kind is gaining recognition in the broad astronomy community. Enjoy a private planetarium showing and a visit to Subaru’s observatory headquarters base facility. (2 Nights)

This morning discover Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the geological wonders of this amazing place. Witness the phases of Madame Pele’s (Hawaii’s Goddess of Fire) creation of new land as a local geologist guides you through an exploration of the world’s most exciting National Parks. Memorable lunch at the Rim Restaurant overlooking Halema‘uma‘u Crater. Continue the tour of the park with a Native Hawaiian Cultural Guide to share traditional knowledge and interpretation of this sacred place.

Visit ‘Akaka Falls- a state park with a 422 ft. tall waterfall. “‘Akaka” means “a split, chink, separation; to crack, split, scale.” Continue along the scenic Hāmākua Coast and stop at Waipi‘o Valley overlook. Marvel at the stunning rugged sea cliffs and mile-long black sand beach of this historic valley. Visit W. M. Keck Observatory Headquarters. (3 Nights)

Breakfast at the hotel; morning free. Depart hotel for Mauna Kea Summit (approximately 13,803 feet.) Stop at Onizuka Visitor Center (9,200 feet) to get acclimatized to the altitude and enjoy a lecture on Mauna Kea. See the interior of one observatory then enjoy a sunset. Return to Onizuka Visitor Center for Dinner and Stargazing.

Morning free. In the afternoon go on a hiking activity or take a tour of the Kona coffee farm, where you can savor smooth sips of world-famous Kona coffee.

Breakfast at the hotel and depart in an afternoon flight to the mainland USA or continue onto the post-trip extension to Kaua‘i.

Discover the Waimea Canyon the geologically spectacular “Grand Canyon” of Hawaii - and the Wailua River. You’ll experience Kauai’s beauty and natural history, including stops to view Waimea Canyon’s incredible erosional valleys from several vantage points. Helicopter Ride of Waimea Canyon or Nāpali Coast or food tour and ziplining. (3 Nights)