Capture Hawaii’s starry sky on a private astrophotography tour in Kihei. Learn expert tips, explore coastal views, and enjoy an unforgettable night under the stars.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires light walking on uneven coastal terrain.
Wildlife
History
Kihei was historically a fishing village and its clear skies have long been treasured by Native Hawaiians for celestial navigation.
Conservation
Efforts to reduce light pollution in the area help preserve dark skies critical for both wildlife and astrophotography quality.
Maui Photography Tours
Capture Hawaii’s starry sky on a private astrophotography tour in Kihei. Learn expert tips, explore coastal views, and enjoy an unforgettable night under the stars.
Maui Photography Tours is a Makawao, Hawaii–based photography tour company led by award-winning photographer Daniel Sullivan. The company offers a focused range of guided photography experiences across Maui, designed for photographers at all skill levels who want to capture the island’s unique wildlife, landscapes, coastlines, and night skies.
Each tour combines hands-on instruction with access to carefully chosen locations. Popular offerings include birding sessions that concentrate on Maui’s endemic species, full-day scenic photo tours that travel the North Shore and Road to Hana, and short-format landscape or sunset excursions in Upcountry areas. Night-sky workshops teach Milky Way and astrophotography techniques at coastal and mountain vantage points.
Several tours include provided snacks and drinks; some allow or recommend packing a lunch for all-day trips. Photo Flights present a distinctive option: doorless helicopter flights over Maui, Molokai, and Lanai for aerial photography, including views of the famed Jaws surf break during big wave season.
Tours vary in duration from approximately three to four hours for many photo expeditions to full-day outings for sunrise-to-sunset itineraries. Participants are encouraged to bring camera bodies, lenses, and any preferred accessories. The company emphasizes practical guidance, scenic routes, and opportunities to shoot both iconic and lesser-known Maui locations, all delivered in a professional, third-party setting based in Makawao.
Location
Makawao, Hawaii
Based on Maui’s Upcountry region
Tours Offered
8 unique tours
Range from 3-hour to full-day
Lead Photographer
Daniel Sullivan
Award-winning photographer leads tours
Typical Duration
3–4 hours
Multiple shorter and full-day options
Reserve a tour with an award-winning photographer — limited small-group spots fill quickly.
Bring a sturdy tripod
A stable tripod is essential for clear long-exposure shots in low light conditions.
Use manual camera settings
Set your camera to manual mode to control exposure time, aperture, and ISO for night shots.
Dress warmly
Even in Hawaii, nighttime temperatures can drop near the coast, so layer up for comfort.
Avoid using flashlights
Use red light mode if needed to preserve night vision and avoid disrupting the dark sky ambiance.
DSLR or mirrorless camera
A camera capable of manual settings is vital to capture night sky imagery.
Sturdy tripod
Ensures stable shots during long exposures.
Red flashlight
Preserves night vision without interfering with darkness.
Warm layers
Keeps you comfortable as temperatures drop after sunset.
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