Astronomy on Big Island, Hawaii? We are planning to visit Onizuka Center for International Astronomy (just the center, not the summit) in August this year for star gazing but we want to know if there is anything to see on the way as well?
I am a photographer and see from google maps that there is a crater below the Onizuka center and am wondering whether the center / the road leading up offers a good view for photo opportunity (again I am not planning to go higher than the center)?
and what about sunset? is it a good view at the center? The reason I am asking is that I am only planning to spend one day in Big Island, and am deciding whether it is worth getting to the center before it gets dark?
Also, we note that there are volunteers and a tour at the center between 6pm to 10pm. Do we have to get there at 6pm or can we get there later? How long does it take to get to the center from downtown Hilo?
One final question. I read that even though it rains consistently at Hilo, the summit offers very good view since it is above the clouds. What about the Onizuka center? is it high enough such that there is a good chance we won't be disappointed by cloudy skies when we reach there?
Thanks much for any suggestions / advices in advance!
I am a photographer and see from google maps that there is a crater below the Onizuka center and am wondering whether the center / the road leading up offers a good view for photo opportunity (again I am not planning to go higher than the center)?
and what about sunset? is it a good view at the center? The reason I am asking is that I am only planning to spend one day in Big Island, and am deciding whether it is worth getting to the center before it gets dark?
Also, we note that there are volunteers and a tour at the center between 6pm to 10pm. Do we have to get there at 6pm or can we get there later? How long does it take to get to the center from downtown Hilo?
One final question. I read that even though it rains consistently at Hilo, the summit offers very good view since it is above the clouds. What about the Onizuka center? is it high enough such that there is a good chance we won't be disappointed by cloudy skies when we reach there?
Thanks much for any suggestions / advices in advance!