Star Gaze Hawaii
Star Gaze Hawaii
4.7
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Star Gaze Hawaii invites you to indulge your imagination and stand in wonder during a stargazing experience at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. Personally, see the cosmos up close while learning from a talented astronomer and learning star lore and science. It’s stargazing without limits! No long, bumpy drive up the mountain, no high altitude or oxygen issues -- just put on your shorts and aloha shirt, grab your whole family and enjoy the stars.
Kealakekua, Hawaii
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
260 reviews
Excellent
202
Very good
38
Average
11
Poor
5
Terrible
4
DeeEss
Florida735 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
My wife and I did the Star Gaze Hawaii tour at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort during a recent visit to Hawaii. The stargazing and equipment they used was great, but the tour was a bit disorganized, which is why I didn't give it 5 stars.
I learned about the tour from the hotel concierge. I was happy to learn about it, because we had done similar tours in the past and really enjoyed them. I booked the tour on Star Gaze Hawaii's website a couple of days ahead of time. On the afternoon of the tour, Star Gaze Hawaii cancelled because of expected bad weather, which was a good call because it turned cloudy and started raining. We were given the option of rescheduling or getting a refund, so we rescheduled for the following day.
We were staying at the Westin Hapuna, so we walked to the meeting point, a very dark beach parking lot on the hotel property. We weren't sure how to get there (the directions provided by Star Gaze Hawaii were for drivers), but someone at the hotel provided walking directions. There were red lights set up in the parking lot so we could find our way around without impacting the stargazing.
The one-hour tour was scheduled to start at 7:00. We arrived about 10 minutes early, and the tour had already started. I asked Wayne, the owner, what time they had actually started, and he told me when everyone got there (everyone except us apparently). There was no orientation or instructions about how things would work, but we figured it out on our own. There were about 12-15 people on the tour.
There were three guides: Wayne, a woman (his wife I think), and Scott. Each of the three telescopes was pointed at a different object. You would rotate between the three scopes, and after everyone saw the 3 objects, they would point the scopes at different objects and we'd do it again. The guides used iPads to show us images of what we would be looking at, and at times used laser pointers to point out objects in the sky.
All the guides were informative, but Scott was also very engaging and entertaining, unlike Wayne and his wife. I don't recall exactly, but we probably had 4 or 5 turns at each scope. The telescopes were very good, though it was sometimes hard to find the eye piece because it was so dark. There was no moon, and the skies were very clear, so the stargazing was excellent. We could easily see the Milky Way with our naked eyes.
There wasn't any conclusion to the tour -- after we realized we saw the last object, we waited a minute or so for some kind of wrap up, but when it didn't happen, we just left. That was about 10 minutes after the scheduled end time, so the tour ran longer than scheduled.
I think the experience would have been better if Wayne had waited for everyone to arrive (excluding latecomers) before starting the tour, and then provided an orientation, for example, introducing the guides and explaining how the viewing process was going to work. When it was over, Wayne could have also let people know they were done, maybe thanking people for coming or whatever.
I still highly recommend this experience, but make sure you arrive earlier than we did, and if you make dinner plans for afterwards, assume the tour might run long.
I learned about the tour from the hotel concierge. I was happy to learn about it, because we had done similar tours in the past and really enjoyed them. I booked the tour on Star Gaze Hawaii's website a couple of days ahead of time. On the afternoon of the tour, Star Gaze Hawaii cancelled because of expected bad weather, which was a good call because it turned cloudy and started raining. We were given the option of rescheduling or getting a refund, so we rescheduled for the following day.
We were staying at the Westin Hapuna, so we walked to the meeting point, a very dark beach parking lot on the hotel property. We weren't sure how to get there (the directions provided by Star Gaze Hawaii were for drivers), but someone at the hotel provided walking directions. There were red lights set up in the parking lot so we could find our way around without impacting the stargazing.
The one-hour tour was scheduled to start at 7:00. We arrived about 10 minutes early, and the tour had already started. I asked Wayne, the owner, what time they had actually started, and he told me when everyone got there (everyone except us apparently). There was no orientation or instructions about how things would work, but we figured it out on our own. There were about 12-15 people on the tour.
There were three guides: Wayne, a woman (his wife I think), and Scott. Each of the three telescopes was pointed at a different object. You would rotate between the three scopes, and after everyone saw the 3 objects, they would point the scopes at different objects and we'd do it again. The guides used iPads to show us images of what we would be looking at, and at times used laser pointers to point out objects in the sky.
All the guides were informative, but Scott was also very engaging and entertaining, unlike Wayne and his wife. I don't recall exactly, but we probably had 4 or 5 turns at each scope. The telescopes were very good, though it was sometimes hard to find the eye piece because it was so dark. There was no moon, and the skies were very clear, so the stargazing was excellent. We could easily see the Milky Way with our naked eyes.
There wasn't any conclusion to the tour -- after we realized we saw the last object, we waited a minute or so for some kind of wrap up, but when it didn't happen, we just left. That was about 10 minutes after the scheduled end time, so the tour ran longer than scheduled.
I think the experience would have been better if Wayne had waited for everyone to arrive (excluding latecomers) before starting the tour, and then provided an orientation, for example, introducing the guides and explaining how the viewing process was going to work. When it was over, Wayne could have also let people know they were done, maybe thanking people for coming or whatever.
I still highly recommend this experience, but make sure you arrive earlier than we did, and if you make dinner plans for afterwards, assume the tour might run long.
Written October 21, 2024
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.
Due to the random times people arrive for our 7 pm session and the thousands of objects to view, we will start showing things off the master list before 7 when conditions are good. Why waste good sky conditions? Once everybody has arrived, we will show you the main attractions. Our format has evolved over the 32 years that we have been operating. We have omitted a formal introduction and concentrated on each astronomer narrating the object in view. We cover more objects, and the customer accumulates various views and topics. Astronomy only studies the 5% of the Universe observable with telescopes. We have no theory of everything. Dark Matter, 26% of the Universe, and Dark Energy, 69% of the Universe, are beyond our knowledge. We would be arrogant to say we are telling you the truth about the Universe. We would be wrong at this time. We will tell you the facts we have gathered from published studies on the objects we show. Science is a process of inquiry and continual revision based on better facts and new measuring equipment. I seek to inspire the thirst for more inquiry rather than spoon-feed the public with short-lived pablum. We create a mystery puzzle the customer may enjoy solving or complain about. Either way, I have started a conversation about Astronomy. Using our equipment to observe the sky for most of the session rather than a formal presentation is a better use of our time.
Written October 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Number23
Kaneohe, HI15 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
My first time ever Star Gazing and I really enjoyed my time as Wayne and his wife are very enthusiastic about the Stars, planets, and all things Space. I was impressed that every question I had for Wayne, he was able to answer and give a detailed explanation. He was also mindful of making sure everyone gets to look into the Telescope. I had a nice time and although I went by myself, I did see other families there. The kids there really liked it and this Sar Gaze is perfect families that don't want to drive up to Mauna Kea. I recommend this tour,
Written June 28, 2024
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.
Astronomy has broad appeal for all ages and interests. Our goal is to make the activity approachable and fun. I think we were on target that night.
Written July 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deb B
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
My family and I did the private stargazing with Wayne. We had an amazing experience. He showed us so many incredible stars/constellations. He explained it in great detail, answered our questions, and is an entertaining host. I highly recommend this experience; it is a must when you visit Hawaii!
Written July 25, 2024
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.
We show you many incredible things in space and explain what they are and how we pierced the mystery. We tell the lore of the methods and personalities who made the breakthrough discoveries. People like you and I are making discoveries through imaginative methods and persistent efforts.
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tiffany L
2 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
This was our second time stargazing here. The first time last year was with Wayne and his wife, and this time with Scott. Scott answered all of our small groups’s questions and was very engaging. It’s amazing what you can see from the coast and this was another great experience. Highly recommend doing this!
Written February 26, 2025
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.
Our staff is well qualified and holds high standards. Our mission is to bring the Universe down to Earth. Scott hits the target—he always does.
Written February 26, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
stevemhe
Burbank, CA1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
We had no idea what we'd signed up for when we went to Star Gaze Hawaii. When we got to the location, we were thrilled to find out it was an isolated but safe spot and the group was very small. Wayne is an expert astronomer and fascinating guide, who understands and explains in an engaging way what we're seeing and why. His wife is an ace at placing the telescope so we saw things we've never seen before. It was casual, awesome, and informative -- and we'd recommend it to anyone!
Written May 17, 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.
Hawaii can seasonally see the Southern Cross, Alpha Centauri, and 80% of the southern hemisphere's sky and 100% of the northern sky. Stargazing in Hawaii will open your eyes and satisfy any stargazer's imagination.
Written May 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MikeRNYC
New York City, NY30 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My wife, myself and our three children (ages 9 to 15) had a great time exploring the stars with our knowledgeable guides. They especially impressed us with how quickly they were able to find various deep-sky objects like nebulas and star clusters. We also got a good view of Saturn’s rings and the craters on the crescent moon. The one hour session was the perfect amount of time, and the location couldn’t be more convenient!
Written August 23, 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.
We strive to give value to our customers and apply our decades of experience viewing the sky to produce an entertaining and educational guided tour. We know where high-impact objects dwell in the sky and can usually target them with pinpoint accuracy without a computer's aid. A few items are faint, and we may have to use a computer to locate them when the Moon is out. We value our customer's time and use the quickest way to get eyeballs on the prize.
Written August 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NCL
4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
A perfect way to wrap up a wonderful week on Big Island without having to make the trek up to elevation with a 5 year old and a teen. Saw many interesting celestial objects including planets, star clusters, nebula, and the Andromeda Galaxy! The lines for the telescopes were not long. Explanation was great! I appreciated some extra time taken to ensure the step stool was placed so my 5 year old could also view the eye piece comfortably. Thank you for a wonderful family activity!
Written January 1, 2024
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.
We encourage the young to consider a science, mathematics, and engineering career by exposing them to the universe. Astronomy has wide appeal as a hobby and an entry into Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Seeing Planets, Nebulae, and Galaxies with our telescopes opens their minds to further inquiries into science.
Written January 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Felix Y
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
Having done the experience at the top of Mauna Kea, we decided to give Star Gaze Hawaii a try to compare and contrast. We were very happy that we did so. The husband-and-wife team of Wayne and Verna were professional, knowledgeable, welcoming, thorough, and well-organized. We saw a great variety of celestial features, punctuated by commentaries and lessons from both of them. As Wayne answered our questions, Verna set up the next shots to keep the views coming. This was an easy, accessible, and comfortable way to see the universe's wonders, and I highly recommend it.
Written September 12, 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.
We do stargazing from an Amateur Astronomer's perspective. We try to answer the questions of anybody who looks up at the stars in plain English - The Why, What, Where, and How of Stars, Planets, Nebulae, and Galaxies. We deliver our combined 60+ years of experience and knowledge performing stargazing for the public.
Written September 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wdl
Sunnyvale, CA538 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We decided not to take the mauna kea sunset and stargazing tour, but we still wanted to do some stargazing, as hawaii is an excellent place to see the milky way. So we found this tour, which come highly recommended. It was as expected, and we pretty much saw all the pictures they posted in their websites, including a photo of Saturn with its rings. That was the "star" of the night. These are amateur astronomers vary passionate with what they do. To view Saturn, they switched to a special very expensive lens for planetary viewing. It was really worth it.
Oh, and in the mean time, I learned where Sagitarious is, trying to shoot Scorpion, which tail extends into Maui's hook. And yeah we saw the milky way. We also sighted three orbiting satelites and several falling stars.
They do that in the parking lot of the Hapuna beach resort (one of them, booked for that matter, security guards know about that. You will receive your instructions after you book it. It was well worht it.
Oh, and in the mean time, I learned where Sagitarious is, trying to shoot Scorpion, which tail extends into Maui's hook. And yeah we saw the milky way. We also sighted three orbiting satelites and several falling stars.
They do that in the parking lot of the Hapuna beach resort (one of them, booked for that matter, security guards know about that. You will receive your instructions after you book it. It was well worht it.
Written August 19, 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.
Astronomy is an enjoyable hobby for all. Our staff has decades of experience using telescopes in a public setting. We know what people want to see and what questions to expect. We do our homework and are prepared to answer most questions. Our technology is current to reveal stunning images of deep space. Our customers view at a comfortable temperature with abundant oxygen in a dark venue that allows viewing the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Written August 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scott and Jessi D
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
This one hour session was packed with expert knowledge about astronomy!! Most was hard to wrap my head around the vastness of space beyond us. If you are any sort of star/solar system buff, you’ll enjoy it! It was an intimate group where we had dialogue and asked lots of questions. My daughter loved to see Saturn!
Written October 13, 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.
Our Astronomers have decades of experience doing Stargazing. We love to share the starlore, discoveries, and history of Astronomy. Some concepts require Physics to explain. But we try to keep it simple. However, we do not shy away from complex questions and will try to make correct and educational analogies.
Written October 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello Does this tour offer pick up service to hotels in Hilo ?
I’m staying in the grand naniola hotel Hilo.
So far every excursion I’ve booked I’ve paid lots in cab fees to get to the tours
Thanks
Written April 22, 2019
Donstim is right but i would email them and see
Written April 23, 2019
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