![]() Should the summit road be open prior to our visit, we will assess if we can access the site, and if feasible, revise the itinerary to include this stop instead of the headquarters in Hilo.Haleakalā High Altitude Observatory Site, on mount Haleakalā is only open to the public by appointment only, it's Hawaii's first astronomical research observatory. Please note: The road leading to the Mauna Kea Observatory Complex and the Smithsonian’s Submillimeter Array, on the summit of Mauna Kea at an elevation of 13,796 feet, can close to public access on very short notice due to weather or other issues. This evening, arrive at the beautiful Fairmont Orchid, set amid tropical gardens, lava formations, and beaches on the South Kohala Coast. (B,D) ![]() On the slopes of Mauna Kea marvel at a spectacular sunset followed by a picnic dinner and a s targazing safari through powerful 11-inch Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. In the afternoon make your way across the island on the Saddle road with majestic mountains flanking both sides of the road, Mauna Kea (13,796 feet) on your right and Mauna Loa (13,679 feet) on your left. If it is closed, learn about the SMA at the headquarters in Hilo. If the Mauna Kea access road is open, enjoy a behind the scene tour of the telescope on the summit. Hilo is the headquarters of Smithsonian’s Submillimeter Array Telescope (SMA) that is located atop Mauna Kea. Enjoy time on your own to explore the farmers market, parks, shops, and restaurants in this traditional Hawaiian town. This morning depart for Hilo, located in a picturesque bay on the windward side of the Big Island. To see itinerary, please click on an option below. Please note: Our October 2022 itinerary is one day longer, see itinerary for full details.Accommodations: Enjoy stays at delightful hotels that feature spectacular views, luxurious pools, gardens, and beach, plus another stay near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.Take a walk in the North Kohala backcountry, known for its waterfalls and breathtaking views. Descend along the Chain of Craters Road to view huge mounds of black lava flows. Observe the volcanic activity from Steaming Bluff and view exhibits at Kilauea Visitor Center. (Should the Mauna Kea Observatory Complex be accessible, travelers will instead ascend to the summit and meet scientists at Smithsonian’s Submillimeter Array.) Gain insight from a resident geologist at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa and the volcano goddess Pele. Explore the farmers market, parks, shops, and visit one to the telescope headquarters located in Hilo to learn about the innovative research being done at the summit. Stop in Hilo, a traditional Hawaiian town located on a picturesque bay on the windward side of the Big Island. Hawai’i: Trace the history of traditional Hawaiian celestial navigation during a curator-led tour of the Imiloa Astronomy Center and watch a planetarium show about the night skies.And learn more about the night sky from an astronomer during a stargazing cruise aboard a catamaran in Ma’alaea Harbor. Later, take a private tour of the Maui Ocean Center, where a marine biologist provides insight into this three-acre tropical reef aquarium and marine science center. During a nature walk, marvel at the volcano’s moon-like crater and learn about endemic plants and native birds. Then enjoy spectacular vistas of Maui from Haleakala National Park. Pan-STARRS utilizes very large digital cameras, telescopes, and computing facilities in its search for new asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects. Maui: Ascend to the summit of Haleakala for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the telescopes at the Haleakala Observatory site. ![]() Discover the islands of Maui and Hawai’i through the lens of astronomers, geologists, and marine scientists, and through native Hawaiian culture and history. This unique natural history tour of Hawai’i focuses on the wonders of the universe, the Earth’s immense geological forces, and the amazing world under the sea.
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