Hawai‘i Skies and Sights 2026

SORRY — RESERVATIONS HAVE CLOSED!

Sky & Telescope offers you a chance to experience the astronomical and natural wonders of Hawai‘i from March 14 to 21, 2026. You’ll marvel at the impressive volcanoes on Maui and the Big Island, luxuriate in the tropical waters, wiggle your toes on Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach, keep watch at sunset for the elusive “green flash,” and spend an evening stargazing with local amateur astronomers.

This tour’s itinerary also offers opportunities to explore the colorful towns of Lahina, Hilo, and Kailua on your own. And you’ll have the option to extend your stay with a 4-day visit to Kaua‘i, the Garden Island. Perhaps best of all, our itinerary also includes special access to professional observatories atop Haleakalā on Maui and on the world-renowned summit of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawai‘i.

With so many adventurous travelers eager to visit exciting destinations around the world, this remarkable adventure is certain to fill up soon. Yet this small-group tour is limited to just 21 participants, so get ready to pack your bags — and your binoculars — for an unforgettable trip.

Here’s a 45-minute video showing what our guests experienced on the 2023 version of this tour. If you’re ready to join the tour, click here to make a reservation!

Click below to learn all about the tour:

• Itinerary for our 8-day tour of Maui and Hawai‘i
• Itinerary for our optional 4-day post-trip tour of Kaua‘i
• What is and isn't included; what to expect
• Pricing, payments, and terms

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HAWAI‘I TOUR

Maui
This beautiful island is dominated by the towering presence of Haleakalā, the enormous shield volcano that occupies about 75% of the island. Rising 10,023 feet (3,056 meters) above sea level, Haleakalā (“House of the Sun”) offers breathtaking views from its summit. But few realize that this mountain is also home to an amazing assortment of professional observatories, including the U.S. Space Force’s 3.6-m AEOS telescope (seen below, which the tour is scheduled to visit) and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope — the world’s largest telescope dedicated to solar studies. While on Maui, we’ll watch for the green flash while relaxing at our seaside hotel.

Hilo
The Big Island’s largest town is diverse. The black, gray, brown, and white sands of Hilo’s beachfront give way to sweeping panoramas of the towering volcanoes that have shaped the island since its creation 500,000 years ago. Hilo is also the gateway to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, an otherworldly place where ground still heaves with subterranean activity and occasionally gushes forth with eruptive fury. Several professional observatories are headquartered in Hilo, and together they maintain the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center.

Kailua-Kona
Although Hilo is often cloudy, the western side of Hawai‘i features pleasant weather that’s almost always sunny. In 1795 King Kamehameha I chose Kailua to be his seat of government, and it later served as the capital of the unified Kingdom of Hawai‘i. Today tourists are drawn to this vibrant but still-quaint community for its great weather and low-key vibe. From our centrally located hotel, we’ll watch sunsets over the Pacific in hopeful anticipation of spotting the “green flash.” And coffee lovers will find themselves in their own little bit of paradise.

Mauna Kea
Kailua-Kona will be our starting point for an ascent to the summit of Mauna Kea, meaning “white mountain” because of its snowy cap during winter. Gradually rising to a towering 13,803 feet (4,207 m) above sea level, Mauna Kea is home to 13 observatory facilities. We’ll visit these behemoths — including a behind-the-scenes tour inside one of them — and then linger at the summit to take in a spectacular sunset.

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Amazing Accommodations

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Itinerary for Hawai‘i Skies and Sights 2026 Main Tour

Date	Itinerary at a Glance	Accommodation	Meals
Saturday, March 14	Arrival in Maui, Welcome Dinner	Sheraton Maui Resort	D
Sunday, March 15	Haleakalā National Park	Sheraton Maui Resort	B,L,D
Monday, March 16	Snorkel Cruise, Polynesian Wayfinding	Sheraton Maui Resort	B,L
Tuesday, March 17	Maui to Hilo, Hawai‘i Volcanoes Natl. Park	Volcano House Hotel	B,L,D
Wednesday, March 18	Hilo to Kona, Black Sand Beach	Royal Kona Resort	B,L
Thursday, March 19	Mauna Kea Summit, Stargazing	Royal Kona Resort	B,D
Friday, March 20	Kona, Farewell Lū‘au	Royal Kona Resort	B,D
Saturday, March 21	Depart for home (or Kaua‘i)	—	B

Day 1 (March 14) — Arrival in Maui; Welcome Dinner
Depart from your home on a flight to Kahului, Maui.  Upon arrival, receive a traditional lei greeting and then transfer to our spacious retreat on world-famous Ka’anapali Beach. Enjoy some free time before meeting our group at a hosted welcome dinner.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa (D) 

Day 2 (March 15) — Haleakalā National Park and Observatory Visit(s)
After breakfast, we’ll ascend Haleakalā, the dormant shield volcano that towers 10,023 feet above sea level and is visible from just about every point on Maui. At the summit, explore Haleakalā National Park, recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.  Here there are more endangered species than in any other U.S. national park, including plants and animals indigenous to Hawai‘i like the endemic ‘āhinahina (silversword) and the nene (Hawaiian goose).

The mountain’s summit is home to the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (the world’s largest) and a group of Defense Department telescopic facilities known as the Maui Space Surveillance Complex. If permissions are granted, we’ll visit both of these installations. After leaving the summit, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa (B, L, D) 

Day 3 (March 16) — Optional Snorkel Cruise, Polynesian Wayfinding
This morning you’ll be free to explore the Ka’anapali Beach area on your own — or embark on an optional snorkel cruise to the mostly uninhabited coast of the island of Lana‘i, regarded as one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world.  Sail the scenic coastline in the company of dolphins and possibly a humpback whale.  Explore a dazzling coral reef, home to abundant sea life, and have lunch aboard our chartered vessel. (The cost for this optional cruise is extra.)

In the afternoon, the group gathers for a captivating presentation by a Polynesian navigator who participated on the Mālama Honua – Worldwide Voyage of the Hōkūle‘a Polynesian Voyaging Canoe. During the voyage, over 245 participating crew members helped to sail the canoe and connect with more than 100,000 people worldwide. Afterward we’ll have a non-hosted reception to look for the elusive “green flash” — an optical phenomenon that sometimes occurs at sunset. Cap off the day with dinner on your own at a local restaurant.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa (B, L) 

Day 4, March 17 — Maui to Hilo, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast and check-out, we’ll fly from Maui to Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, then transfer to the historic Volcano House Hotel for lunch at its Rim Restaurant. Afterward, we’ll get an in-depth exploration of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Site. Our exclusive geologist guide leads us through one of the world’s most exciting national parks — and one that encompasses two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Witness how Madame Pele (the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire) has created new land! Dinner follows at the Rim Restaurant.
Volcano House Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 5, March 18 — Hilo to Kona, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach
After breakfast and check-out, enjoy an exhilarating nature walk before boarding our private coach. Hilo and Kona lie on opposite sides of the Big Island, and the drive to Kona will be via the scenic southern route. Our first stop is Nā‘ālehu Village, the southernmost town in the United States. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, then visit Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach to look for the endangered Hawaiian honu (green sea turtles). After arriving in Kona and hotel check-in, in the evening we’ll gather for a non-hosted reception to look for the green flash before having dinner on your own.
Royal Kona Resort (B, L)

Day 6, March 19 — Mauna Kea
After breakfast, you’ll have the morning free to explore Kona and have lunch on your own. Then gather in the afternoon for a briefing from the Sky & Telescope astronomy director before departing for Mauna Kea. Although it erupted approximately 4,000 years ago, this massive shield volcano now lies dormant. 

Towering 13,803 feet (4,207 m) above sea level, Mauna Kea’s summit is home to 13 observatories that study the universe at optical, infrared, and submillimeter wavelengths. In ancient Hawai‘i, the summit was considered sacred and forbidden to all but the highest-ranking chiefs and priests. We’ll stop at Onizuka Visitor Center, at an altitude of “just” 9,200 feet (2,804 m), to get acclimatized to the altitude and to hear a presentation about Mauna Kea.

Then we’ll drive to the summit and see the interior of the immense Gemini North observatory (permission pending). Boasting a primary mirror with a diameter of 26.7 feet (8.1 m), this telescope and its twin in the Chilean Andes are world leaders in the use of adaptive optics to perform wide-field infrared imaging.

After the observatory tour, we’ll head out into the rarified air to witness a breathtaking sunset from the summit before returning to the visitor center. There we’ll enjoy dinner together before joining members of the West Hawai‘i Astronomy Club (known locally as the WHACo’s) for some telescopic stargazing. Then we’ll descend the mountain and return to our hotel in Kona.
Royal Kona Resort (B, D)

Day 7, March 20 — Kona Coffee Farm / Farewell Lū‘au
After breakfast, take an excursion to a local coffee plantation. Hawai‘i is the only state in the U.S. that grows coffee. The high elevation, ample rainfall, moderate temperature, abundant sunshine, and volcanic soil of Kona produce unrivaled conditions to grow coffee. Learn how beans are grown, hand-harvested, dried, and roasted. Tonight we’ll enjoy farewell lū‘au dinner complete with Mai Tai cocktails, music, and hula!
Royal Kona Resort (B, D)

Day 8, March 21 — Depart for Home (or for Kaua‘i)
Breakfast is at the hotel. After check-out, we’ll transfer to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport either for your flight home (those headed to the East Coast will arrive home the next day) — or to continue to Kaua‘i for the optional 4-day post-tour extension. (B, meals aloft)

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OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION TO KAUA‘I

Kauaʻi is sometimes called the “Garden Island” — an entirely accurate description. The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires, and jagged cliffs shaped by time and the elements. Elsewhere you encounter tropical rainforests, forking rivers, and cascading waterfalls! Some parts of Kauaʻi are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination. But it’s the island’s laid-back atmosphere and the rich culture found in its small towns that make Kauaʻi truly timeless.

Itinerary for Post-Tour Extension to Kaua‘i

Date	Itinerary at a Glance	Accommodation	Meals
Saturday, March 21	Hawai‘i to Kaua‘i, Allerton Gardens	Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort	B
Sunday, March 22	Waimea Canyon	Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort	B,L
Monday, March 23	Cacao Farm, Botanical Gardens	Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort	B,D
Tuesday, March 24	Depart for home	—	B

Day 8, March 21 — Hawai‘i to Kaua‘i, Allerton Gardens
After breakfast and hotel checkout, bid “aloha” to those in the group heading home. Then depart for Kona International Airport (KOA) on an inter-island flight to Kaua‘i. Drop off your bags at hotel, and then have lunch on own. We’ll gather in the afternoon for a visit to the beautiful Allerton Gardens. Located on the southern shore of Kaua‘i, this paradise has been transformed through time by a Hawaiian Queen, a sugar-plantation owner, and most recently by an artist and architect. After returning to the hotel and its lushly landscaped grounds, enjoy dinner on own.
Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa (B)

Day 9, March 22 — Waimea Canyon
After breakfast, we’ll depart for Waimea Canyon, the geologically spectacular “Grand Canyon” of Hawaiʻi. First we visit Koke‘e State Park and the Koke‘e Museum. You’ll experience the island’s beauty and natural history, including stops to view Waimea Canyon’s incredible erosional valleys from several vantage points.  A counterpart to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, Waimea is spectacular for its beauty alone.  It is 1 mile wide, 14 miles long, and 3,600 feet deep.  Today we’ll have a picnic lunch before returning to the hotel. Then enjoy dinner on your own.
Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa (B, L)

Day 10, March 23 — Cacao Farm
This morning we visit a chocolate farm! The Lydgate family has been farming in the islands for five generations — since the days of the Hawaiian kingdom. They are the pioneers of cacao farming on Kaua‘i and have been recognized three times as producing the best cacao beans in the world by Cocoa of Excellence in Paris, France. After our return to the hotel, lunch is on your own and your afternoon is free. But come back to the hotel in time for the group’s farewell dinner.
Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa (B, D)

Day 11, March 24 — Homeward bound
Breakfast is at the hotel. After check-out, we’ll transfer to Lihue Airport (LIH) for your flight home. Those headed to the East Coast should plan to arrive home the next day. (B, meals aloft)

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What Conditions to Expect on the Tour

This exclusive Sky & Telescope expedition is designed for travelers who are interested in learning about the professional observatories on Hawai‘i and in experiencing the amazing geology, superb natural landscapes, and rich indigenous culture of the Hawaiian Islands.

We describe this trip as “active.” To enjoy this experience, participants must be in good physical and mental health and be able to keep up with schedules, food, insects, weather, and dust. The tour program involves some walking on uneven and/or unpaved surfaces. Program participants requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance.

Travel is by jet aircraft and motorcoach. Roadways to the summits of Haleakalā and Mauna Kea can be narrow with steep ascents/descents and (at times) rocky, unpaved, and dusty. Clothing that can be layered, as well as sunblock, sun hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes with a sturdy tread, will be essential on this trip.

In March temperatures near sea level in Hawai‘i are pleasant, averaging near 80°F during the day and near 70°F at night.  However, at the summits of Haleakalā and Mauna Kea (10,023 and 13,800 feet above sea level, respectively) the temperatures will be considerably colder, perhaps as low as 40°F.

Given the reduced atmospheric pressure at these high altitudes, participants should confirm with their medical professionals that they can tolerate these conditions.

What’s included on the Main Tour

• Inter-island flight from Kahului, Maui, to Hilo, Hawai‘i
• Private group transfers from airport to hotel and to airport on return
• Seven (7) nights' accommodation
• English-speaking Tour Director exclusive to Sky & Telescope group
• Sky & Telescope astronomy director
• Expert guest speakers on Day 3 (Maui) and Day 4 (Hilo)
• Exclusive geologist guide on Day 5 (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park)
• Land transport by private motor coach
• All meals as indicated on the itinerary, including welcome and farewell dinners
• Baggage handling
• Tips to local guides, drivers, service charges and taxes
• Entrance fees on itinerary excursions and visits
• Customized luggage tags and name tags with Sky & Telescope logo
• Pre-trip planning information and resources

What’s included on the optional Kaua‘i extension

• Inter-island flight from Kona, Hawai‘i, to Lihue, Kaua‘i
• Private group transfers from airport to hotel and to airport on return
• Three nights' accommodation
• Land transport by private motor coach
• English-speaking Tour Director exclusive to Sky & Telescope group
• All meals as indicated on the itinerary, including farewell dinner
• Baggage handling
• Tips to local guides, drivers, service charges and taxes
• Entrance fees on itinerary excursions and visits

What’s NOT included

• Round-trip air transportation between your point of origin and Hawai‘i
• Any increase in the cost of the Maui-to-Hawai‘i flight above $145 per person
• Any increase in the cost of the Hawai‘i-to-Kaua‘i flight above $130 per person
• Optional snorkel cruise on Day 3
• Excess-baggage fees (inter-island flights are limited to one standard size-weight piece of checked luggage per person)
• Room service, meals, and snacks not specified in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages, aside from those included in the welcome and farewell dinners
• Private transfers
• Personal items such as laundry, wifi, and telephone calls
• Travel and medical insurance
  (We strongly recommend the purchase of optional travel insurance)
• Medical expenses, quarantine costs, and COVID-19 testing, if applicable
• Tip for the Tour Director is at participant’s discretion

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Pricing, Payments, and Terms

PRICING (PER PERSON)	TWO PER ROOM	ONE PER ROOM
Main Tour on Maui and Hawai‘i	$7,950	$9,950
Ocean-view rooms in Lahaina and Kona (optional)	$325	$625
Post-Trip Extension on Kaua‘i	$2,950	$3,950
Ocean-view rooms in Kaua‘i (optional)	$200	$400

Note: Pricing is based on standard capacities on vehicles and at restaurants, hotels, and other venues and does not include any costs that may be incurred by any capacity limitations that may be imposed due to COVID-19 or any other reason. All tour prices are based on costs in effect at the time of posting. As such, prices listed here are subject to change. Royal Adventures and/or AAS Sky Publishing LLC will inform participants of any changes prior to departure.

• To make a reservation: A reservation request can be submitted by completing this form. Reservations are recorded and acknowledged in order of receipt. Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40) handles all invoicing.
• Deposits: An initial payment of US$1,000 per person, plus US$250 per person for the post-tour extension (if applicable), is required to secure your reservation. Please make your check payable to “Royal Adventures” and mail to: Royal Adventures, 9 Crow Canyon Court, Suite 205, San Ramon, CA 94583. Initial deposits may be charged to a credit card. All subsequent payments must be made by check. Final payment (by check or wire only) is due by December 1, 2025.
• Cancellations and Refunds: All cancellations must be received in writing by Royal Adventures. Cancellations received within 7 days of booking: full refund of the trip deposit. Cancellations received before December 1, 2025, incur a $600 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received on or after December 1, 2025, are subject to a 100% penalty of all deposits and payments, regardless of booking date. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features or for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate.
• Itinerary: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Sky & Telescope and Royal Adventures. All tour prices are based on costs and U.S. dollar rates in effect at the time of posting. As such, the prices listed here are subject to change. In particular, any increases in the fares for in-tour transportation, security, and/or fuel surcharges will be paid by the participants. Sky & Telescope and/or Royal Adventures will inform participants of any changes prior to departure.
• Travel insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance including “Cancel for Any Reason” because the cancellation penalty listed here will apply. Trip-cancellation insurance can be purchased through our recommended provider, Travel Insured International; click here to get a quote or call 800-243-3174 and mention Royal Adventures #53140. NOTE: Most insurance plans need to be purchased within 14 days of paying the initial deposit in order to waive preexisting medical conditions as well as to purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance. Neither AAS Sky Publishing LLC nor Royal Adventures accepts liability for any airline-cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable airline ticket or other expenses incurred by tour participants in preparing for the tour.
• Disclaimer: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented here. Royal Adventures, AAS Sky Publishing, LLC, and Sky & Telescope are not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained here is subject to change.
• Responsibility Statement: Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40), its owners, and employees act only as agents for the various independent suppliers and contractors providing transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant, and other services connected with this tour. Such travel and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such accommodations, services, and transportation are offered or provided; AAS Sky Publishing LLC  and American Astronomical Society (collectively referred to as “Sky”) and Royal Adventures and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability therefor. Sky and Royal Adventures assume no liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, epidemics, pandemics, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, quarantine, force majeure, animal or insect bites, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Sky and Royal Adventures reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour participants. Sky and/or Royal Adventures shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, and shall not provide any refund, because of delay in performance, or by nonperformance, of any of our obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any force majeure event. A force majeure event, in relation to this tour, shall mean any circumstances beyond our control, including, but without limitation, to acts of God, explosion, flood, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, acts of terrorism, sabotage, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil disturbance, sickness, epidemics, pandemics, quarantines, government intervention or other unforeseeable events. If this tour is affected by a force majeure event, AAS Sky Publishing and Royal Adventures shall be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary, cancel or postpone any itinerary or arrangement in relation to this trip. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour or to substitute another qualified leader or special guest. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. The price of the program is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, security surcharge or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. As part of the consideration and right to participate in this tour, each participant will be asked to sign a liability release, an assumption of risk, and a hold-harmless agreement.
• Questions: contact Royal Adventures at [email protected] or call 800-453-4754 or 925-820-6260 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time).

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