Maui’s Haleakalā National Park Welcomes Stargazers With New Programs In 2020

If your idea of paradise is sun, sand, and surf by day with stargazing at night – now’s the time to plan an epic trip to Hawaii’s Maui. The National Park Service has just announced a brand new new “Stars Above Haleakalā” Night Sky Astronomy Program Series to take place at Haleakalā National Park between late March and mid-December this year.

“Haleakalā has long been considered a world-class spot for stargazing, and these new astronomy programs will enable people to learn more about the stars above us and deepen connections to the night sky,” said Night Sky Ranger Laurel McKenzie in a press release.

While the Big Island’s Mauna Kea has become the epicenter of professional astronomy research in Hawaii, Haleakalā was originally considered for the primary site for observatories. Astronomer Gerard Kuiper led the effort to test mountains in Hawaii for their astronomy quality; while Haleakalā lost out to Mauna Kea for the major research facilities, it still offers epic stargazing for travelers and astronomy enthusiasts.

Events in the “Stars Above Haleakalā” program include Star Talks, Full Moon Hikes, Telescope Parties, and two meteor shower viewing opportunities: the Perseids in mid-August and the Geminids in mid-December. There’s one event per month on average, based around the new and full moon phases. Here’s the full schedule:

• Star Talks will be held on: March 21, May 23, June 13, June 20, September 19, November 14
• Full Moon Hike will be guided on April 8, July 4, and October 31
• Telescope Parties will be held on July 25, August 29, and October 17
• The Perseids Meteor Shower event will be held on August 12
• The Geminids Meteor Shower event will be held on December 13

Reservations are required for some events, so check the Haleakalā National Park website (nps.gov/hale) for event details and to plan your trip to the park.