Haleakalā Observatory
Haleakalā Observatory
4.5
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4.5
19 reviews
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Michael B
Bellflower, CA24,492 contributions
May 2022
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.
The Observatory twin 10-meter Keck Observatory telescopes are not part of the Haleakala National Park system, and if you do obtain an appointment, leave your car in the haleakala car park as the road up to the Observatory is cinder and only accessible to 4x4 vehicles in good weather.
Early mornings and late evenings we recommend that you bring a sweater or in winter a coat as it does get cold and windy at this high altitude, also if you are going to stargaze, something to sit would also be nice.
The sun sets at about 5:30 p.m. in the winter and 7:00 p.m. in the summer, but the park is very busy early in the morning with tourist coming to see the sun rise, and appointments are needed for that. To view the stars, you need to wait till about an hour after sunset.
TIP: To obtain a ticket for the Haleakala car park, you need to book two to three
months in advance, they do not deal with drive ups.
I would appreciate a thumbs up below if you found this review informative.
Thank you
The Observatory twin 10-meter Keck Observatory telescopes are not part of the Haleakala National Park system, and if you do obtain an appointment, leave your car in the haleakala car park as the road up to the Observatory is cinder and only accessible to 4x4 vehicles in good weather.
Early mornings and late evenings we recommend that you bring a sweater or in winter a coat as it does get cold and windy at this high altitude, also if you are going to stargaze, something to sit would also be nice.
The sun sets at about 5:30 p.m. in the winter and 7:00 p.m. in the summer, but the park is very busy early in the morning with tourist coming to see the sun rise, and appointments are needed for that. To view the stars, you need to wait till about an hour after sunset.
TIP: To obtain a ticket for the Haleakala car park, you need to book two to three
months in advance, they do not deal with drive ups.
I would appreciate a thumbs up below if you found this review informative.
Thank you
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MBMVWA
Seattle, WA588 contributions
Oct 2020
Out of this world sunset views!!!!!!!!!! We left Wailea about 1 hour before sunset (I'd advise leaving 1.5 hours) and made it just in time for the sunset. For me the windy roads were fun to drive!! My friends enjoyed the view going up but I had to pay attention to the road, Once on top of the mountain, the views were amazing!!!! to the west, a beautiful and colorful sunset, to the east, a beautiful moonrise. Don't miss out on this view. Do take heed to dress warm. It may be 88 degrees at the beach, but it was 44 degrees at the top with about a 25 mph wind. We knew better, but in shorts and a hoody, we saw everything we wanted to see and took lots of pictures! We had our National Pass ready, but the toll booth was closed when we went by.
Written 14 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hotarujay
Louisville, KY100 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Make sure to rent a smaller car. If you afraid of heights make sure bring somebody who is not afraid of heights. It’s very steep and narrow to drive up the hill. We almost died many times. Drive slow and pay attention. But after all of the long drive it is all worth it!
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roj1281
Houston, TX524 contributions
Aug 2022
You can see the observatory from Haleakala Summit and visitor center but you cannot visit it or view anything in the telescopes. Not much of a tourist attraction as it is just a fixture. This is however a great spot to watch the night sky!
Written 22 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMO2015
Canada1,824 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
As part of our 3 days pass, my husband and I visited the Observatory at the summit. Informative and fantastic view.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SerenityNow2
Pennsylvania52 contributions
Mar 2021
Loved seeing this at the top of Haleakala. I wish we could go in there but I guess it’s not allowed.
Written 27 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobBoston80
Boston, MA1,215 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
This was a high point of our Hawaiian trip. The views are wonderful and the science behind the observatories was fascinating.
Written 12 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arnold L
Franklin, WI19 contributions
Jul 2018
YOU HAVE TO GET TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME TO PARK! You have to plan months in advance to get tickets to get into the park for the sunrise. It is cold and dark so bring a small flash light and winter coat, hat, gloves to get a good spot to see the sunrise 1.5 to 2 hours before sunrise. But it is an amazing experience that you MUST do!!
Written 13 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beth ann k
Halstead, KS1,843 contributions
Feb 2023
This was very informative and helped put things in perspective. So glad they're there, also, out of the wind.
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Takemeaway2022
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Bring a sweater and winter coats do not underestimate the weather on top. You will freeze I guaranteed!! Also a portable seat.
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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