Bridging the gap: Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience returns, connecting Hawaiʻi residents with Mauna Kea observatories

Hawaiʻi residents can once again get an in-person out-of-this-world experience without ever having to leave the planet — or even the islands.

The Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience, a free program offered by Maunakea Observatories, has returned to give island residents the chance to visit world-class telescopes at the 13,803-foot summit of Mauna Kea on Hawai‘i Island.

“For many residents, the observatories feel like something far away, even though they’re right here in Hawai‘i,” said Leinani Lozi, Hawai‘i education and engagement manager at the International Gemini Observatory/U.S. National Science Foundation National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. “The Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience helps bridge that gap, giving people the chance to visit our world-class facilities, share knowledge and take part in meaningful experiences that connect science and culture.”

Tour participants learn about the scientific, cultural and environmental importance of the mauna and then actually visit the inside of one of the telescopes atop the summit.

Each tour includes transportation to and from the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station at the 9,200-foot level and the summit 4,600 feet above, Native Hawaiian protocol, presentations about science and culture as well as a visit to an active observatory.

Participants gain a deeper understanding of the contributions observatories make to scientific discovery while also learning about educational and career pathways in astronomy and engineering.

Participating observatories include Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, International Gemini Observatory, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, Subaru Telescope, Submillimeter Array, UH88 Telescope and W. M. Keck Observatory.

These telescopes are part of the most scientifically productive collection of observatories on Earth, contributing to discoveries that expand mankind’s understanding of the universe.

“The cultural protocol was one of my favorite things of the tour,” said Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience participant Arlene Buklarewicz. “Going up the magnificent sides of the mountain and actually seeing the inside of a telescope was absolutely stunning. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

The experience is open exclusively to Hawai‘i residents with valid identification.

Each tour is limited to between 12 and 14 participants, and registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration opens 1 month in advance of each tour date. Children ages 13 to 17 years old need to be accompanied by an adult. Children 12 and younger cannot be accommodated.

Because of Mauna Kea’s high elevation, people with pre-existing health conditions, particularly cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, should consult with their physician before signing up for a tour.

It is not recommended for pregnant women or anyone who has been scuba diving 24 hours prior to the tour date.

The next two Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience tours are April 5 at the Submillimeter Array and June 7 at James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, operated by the East Asian Observatory.

Click here for more information and to reserve a spot for an upcoming Kamaʻāina Observatory Experience.

There is no tour May 3 because of AstroDay in Hilo.

While it’s not a trip to the top of Mauna Kea to see the inside of an observatory, there will still be astronomers and plenty of other scientists on hand that day.

So don’t miss the free community science and astronomy event, supported by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee, that coincides with Astronomy Day, which is an international grassroots movement to share the joy of astronomy with local communities.

Maunakea Observatories is a group of 10 independent institutions with telescopes atop Mauna Kea on Hawaiʻi Island. They are united by a deep respect and appreciation for the environment that allows their work to happen and recognize it is a privilege to engage in science on the mountain.

Mauna Kea is the most scientifically productive and impactful site for ground-based astronomy on Earth based on the number of papers produced with Mauna Kea observations and citations of those papers.

Visit the Maunakea Observatories website for more information.