Event

Night Sky Program

Haleakalā National Park

Fee:

Free. No additional program fee. A park entrance fee is required.

Location: LAT/LONG: 20.715117, -156.249859


Next to Haleakalā Visitor Center

Dates & Times

Date:

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Time:

7:30 PM

Duration:

1 hour

Type of Event

Campfire/Evening Program

Description

Haleakalā offers ranger-led night sky programs weekly throughout the year! Join a team of rangers to learn about the night sky above Haleakalā. Program topics vary by ranger, but often weave together elements of astronomy, wayfinding, dark sky preservation, and moʻolelo (story). 
 
What to Expect
A 30–45-minute ranger talk, including the use of a green laser pointer to point out different features of the night sky. Depending on conditions, this talk will be followed by 30-45 minutes of telescope viewing.
 
What to Bring
  • Chairs or a blanket, as seating is not provided
  • Many warm, waterproof layers, as (even in the summer!) nighttime is typically around 40°F (4°C)
  • Any food and drink you may want. There is no food available for purchase in the Summit District, although there is a water bottle filling station near the program area. 
  • AVOID bringing white light, as this will impact your night vision. Red light is provided in the program area.
Accessibility Information
This program takes place at 9,740 ft above sea level, so do not plan on attending this program if you have a health condition triggered by rapid elevation increase or went diving in the past 18 hours.  Nighttime temperatures regularly dip below 40°F (4°C). To get to the program location, it is a ~100 ft (30 m) walk from your car up a paved, ADA accessible ramp. The program area is paved but does not include any seating. Rangers at the visitor center are available for any additional questions. 
 
Additional Notes
This event is weather-dependent and may be canceled due to unsafe or unfavorable conditions. Arrive early for the program, especially during holiday weekends.
Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or bring any pets to the program.

Reservation or Registration: No

Image Gallery

A ranger points to the night sky with people sitting and standing around the ranger
A purple star-filled sky over illuminated clouds
A ranger points to the night sky with people sitting and standing around the ranger
Ranger led night sky programs involve both a constellation talk and a telescope!
NPS Photo / S. Wurmser
A purple star-filled sky over illuminated clouds
On moonless nights, Haleakalā's night sky contains thousands of visible stars
NPS Photo / Serena Wurmser