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Nightlife

Stargazing Mauna Kea

Photo courtesy Gemini Observatory. Stars surrounding the South Celestial Pole appear to spin over the Gemini South dome in this digital star trail image. Images obtained every minute for a period of about 4.5 hours were stacked in Photoshop to create this image.

Photo courtesy Gemini Observatory. Stars surrounding the South Celestial Pole appear to spin over the Gemini South dome in this digital star trail image. Images obtained every minute for a period of about 4.5 hours were stacked in Photoshop to create this image.

Hawaii Island is home to the most prized astronomical site on the planet. Perched high atop Mauna Kea, rising 13,796 feet above sea level, 13 telescopes representing 11 countries are watching the heavens and making discoveries almost beyond our imagination. All this heavenly science is possible not just because of the elevation, but also because our air is so clear and light pollution is minimal. Here experts and visitors alike are afforded a show few can experience and none will forget. On a clear night, the stars light the sky like glitter. The sunsets, from above the clouds, are also spectacular.

Sunset Mauna Kea. Photo courtesy Hawaii Forest & Trail, Big Island Visitor Bureau.

Sunset Mauna Kea. Photo courtesy Hawaii Forest & Trail, Big Island Visitor Bureau.

Guided stargazing tours offer transportation, warm parkas, dinner, access to the mountain summit, detailed narratives on the history and cultural significance of Maunakea as well as expert night time viewing.

Telescope at Mauna Kea Station. Photo courtesy Hawaii Forest & Trail, Big Island Visitor Bureau.

Telescope at Mauna Kea Station. Photo courtesy Hawaii Forest & Trail, Big Island Visitor Bureau.

For those who want to venture up on their own, a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, however the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station at the 9,300-foot level is accessible via two-wheel drive vehicles. Anyone wishing to venture above this point must have four-wheel drive. The visitors’ center is open daily, and offers summit tours and public stargazing.

Exhibits at the Imiloa Astronomy Center show the importance of the stars to ancient Hawaiians. Courtesy Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii

Exhibits at the Imiloa Astronomy Center show the importance of the stars to ancient Hawaiians. Courtesy Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii

You can also study the stars from sea level at the new Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Imiloa (“exploring new knowledge”), which opened to the public in early 2006, is housed beneath three striking titanium cones representing volcanoes. The center offers two perspectives of Maunakea—its sacred cultural significance to Hawaiians, and its importance as the world’s foremost astronomy site. The large planetarium features an Imax-style movie presentation that makes viewers feel like they’re flying through space. View their website at www.imiloahawaii.org

Arnott’s Lodge & Hiking Adventures
PO Box 4039
Hilo 96720-0039
Email
www.arnottslodge.com
(808) 969-7097

Bigti
74-5565 Luhia St., A-4A
Kailua-Kona 96740
Email
www.bigti.com
(808) 331-0733

Hawaii Forest & Trail
74-5035B Queen Kaahumanu Hwy.
Kailua-Kona 96740
Email
www.hawaii-forest.com
(808) 331-8505

Taikobo Hawaii, Inc.
74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #14
Kailua-Kona 96740
Email
www.taikobo.com
(808) 329-0599

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
PO Box 9027
Kailua-Kona 96745-9027
Email
www.maunakea.com
(808) 322-2366