Haleakala Stargazing in Maui: Ultimate Guide

Elevation at Haleakala National Park

Being on top of a volcano puts you above most of the Earth’s atmosphere. That means the layers that distort the atmosphere are below you. The Haleakalā Observatory is at the summit, proof of the great viewing conditions.

Light Pollution

Being on an island and far from cities means Haleakalā National Park has very dark skies. And the park service does everything they can to minimize light pollution within the park.

They take pride in keeping the darkness natural, so you can see the Milky Way in all its glory, and that’s exactly what makes stargazing in Maui so special.

Celestial Positioning

Haleakalā’s location in the Central Pacific gives you a unique view of the Milky Way across the sky like a river of light. This is especially beautiful during the summer months when the galactic center is most visible.

To see what stars, constellations, and planets are visible from here, check out the monthly star charts from the Bishop Museum and ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. You’ll also find info on celestial events like meteor showers to add to the fun.

Before you go stargazing in Maui, plan ahead for a great and safe experience. Here’s what you need to know before going to see the sunset and stargazing at Haleakalā:

Before you head up the mountain, check the park’s website for current weather conditions. It gets cold after dark, even in the warmer months, so pack warm clothes and blankets or chairs. And remember, higher elevation means less oxygen, so go slow and stay hydrated.

Bring water and snacks as there are no concessions at the summit. The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for 3 days, and includes access to the summit area and other park attractions, on top of the moment you’ll spend on the Haleakala stargazing tour.

Many guided tours are available if you want a more structured experience. For about $230, these tours can be very informative, often with astronomy experts and telescopes to get a closer look at celestial bodies.

These tours will tell you what constellations are visible and the Hawaiian stories behind them. The price may seem steep at first but it’s a comprehensive experience that everyone in your party will enjoy.

For more astronomy geekiness, visit the Haleakalā Observatory, a research facility. Located at the summit, the observatory has public outreach programs and events to give you a behind-the-scenes look.

We discussed underwater photography in Maui in another guide, but the Haleakala stargazing is yet another incredible experience.

Seeing the stars twinkling against a black sky is something you have to experience in person. And of course, capturing some of that cosmic beauty in a photo is tempting.

Smartphones can get you basic shots, but for Milky Way shots, try a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a tripod and wide-angle lens.

Experiment with slow shutter speed and wide aperture (low f-stop number) to get cool star trails. Just be respectful of other visitors and don’t use bright white lights which can ruin it for others.

Besides stargazing, Haleakalā has plenty of other activities to offer. You can explore the different ecosystems of the park, from the rainforests of the Kīpahulu District to the volcanic summit. Hiking trails at the Haleakala National Park like the Sliding Sands Trail offer views of the crater and surrounding landscape.