Stargazing on the Kohala Coast
If heading up to 14,000 feet in elevation on Mauna Kea to stargaze doesn’t sound as good as sticking closer to your lodging and sea level, this stargazing experience was made for you.
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Activity Overview
Stargazing on the Kohala Coast Highlihgts
- 1 hour duration
- View stars and unique space objects through a massive telescope, seeing more than just the top 10 most popular in astronomy.
- Have a more comfortable stargazing experience with 100% oxygen levels and lovely Hawaiian weather.
- Convenient stargazing location at the Westin Hapuna
- All ages welcome, under 5 see for free!
Stargazing on the Kohala Coast Details
While stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea is a beautiful experience, you do have more options! You may think that getting as close to the stars as possible is the best way to see them, and while you’re onto something there, that isn’t the only factor to consider when looking for a great stargazing experience.
Not only are the powerful telescopes able to give you a great experience at any elevation, you may be surprised to learn that the air at high elevations can affect how well you see based on the amount of oxygen that is available. At 14,000 feet in elevation and 40% oxygen levels at the summit at Mauna Kea, it may actually be more beneficial to view stars at sea level with 100% oxygen levels.
Not only will your visual experience be better at sea level, but you’ll have more comfortable temperatures, compared to an average of 32 degrees Fahrenheit at Mauna Kea’s summit. Plus you’ll be closer to lodging with Star Gaze Hawaii’s experience. Conveniently located just 45min from Kailua Kona and stationed at the Westin Hapuna, it’s an easier drive after dark and may even be just where you’re staying!
It’s also important to consider physical restrictions that come with a Mauna Kea experience as thinner air, lower oxygen levels, and a bumpy four-wheel-drive ride up to the summit does exclude some travelers from the experience.
Stargazing on the Kohala Coast FAQ
Why stargaze at sea level?
In addition to elevation, oxygen levels, temperature, and location, there is another astrological reason to stargaze at sea level:
The Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii has unique geographic topology that allows world class stargazing–sub-arc-second viewing–from Sea Level. 1 arc-second is 1/3,600 of one degree of angle. In most places on this planet, due to turbulence in the air, stars will be 2-3 arc-seconds in diameter. At Star Gaze Hawaii’s selected sites, we can attain ½ arc-second star images routinely, limited only by weather.
What is the cancellation policy?
No refund for customer cancellations or no show within 24 hours of a session. Six (6) Reservations minimum per session. Subject to cancellation for bad weather or low attendance by one hour before show time. They offer the option to rebook or get a full refund for any weather or low attendance cancellation. They require a paid adult to accompany all minor children. They will automatically refund and cancel reservations for solo children.
How do weather cancellations work?
They have a Hard Cut off at 5 PM for reservations. They will send out email and (optional) text messages to confirm or cancel stargazing just after 5 PM. They are based over an hour away from the stargazing venues and with travel and setup times, they are unable to respond to changes in weather after 5 PM.
If the weather is poor at 5 PM they will cancel stargazing and send out email and (optional) text messages.
If it turns bad after 5 PM they will inform you around 7 PM of a cancellation in the same manner.
About Star Gaze Hawaii
Since the ’60s, Star Gaze Hawaii’s owner Wayne M. Fukunaga has had a passion for astrology and physics. In the decades since he has become an expert in his fields and in 1992 founded Star Gaze Hawaii to share that passion with travelers. Wayne is known for his ability to explain abstract and complicated concepts in laymen’s terms and give every guest a memorable experience.
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