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The Maunakea Observatories has announced the return of the Kama‘aina Observatory Experience, a program offering Hawaii residents the opportunity to visit world-class telescopes at the summit of Maunakea.

This free program invites participants to learn about the scientific, cultural and environmental importance of the mauna and then allows them to actually visit the inside of one of the telescopes atop the mountain.

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Each KOE tour includes transportation to and from the Visitor Information Station and the summit, Native Hawaiian protocol, presentations on science and culture, and a visit to an active observatory.

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

“For many residents, the observatories feel like something far away, even though they’re right here in Hawaii,” said Leinani Lozi, Hawaii education and engagement manager at the International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab. “The Kama‘aina 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.”

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

According to a press release, these telescopes are part of the most scientifically productive collection of observatories on Earth, contributing to discoveries that expand our understanding of the universe.

“The cultural protocol was one of my favorite things of the tour,” Arlene Buklarewicz, a participant of the KOE tour, said on the press release. “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.”

KOE is open exclusively to Hawaii residents with valid identification. Each tour is limited to 12-14 participants, and registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration opens one month in advance of each tour date.

Children ages 13 to 17 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult (children 12 and younger cannot be accommodated on the tour).

Due to the high elevation of Maunakea, people with pre-existing health conditions, particularly cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, should consult with their physician before signing up for the tour.

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

The next two KOE tours will be held on April 5 at the Submillimeter Array and on June 7 at the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, operated by the East Asian Observatory.

Registration will open for each tour one month ahead. For more information and to reserve a spot for an upcoming tour, visit https://noirlab.edu/public/visits/KOE/.