Capture the mesmerizing night sky in Pukalani, Hawaii, on a private astrophotography tour. Learn expert techniques and explore stunning mountain locations away from the city lights.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners to intermediate photographers; requires walking to vantage points and standing outdoors for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
Pukalani was historically a vital area for early Hawaiian astronomy and navigation under the clear night skies.
Conservation
Maui Photography Tours practices Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact, preserving dark skies and natural habitats.
Maui Photography Tours
Capture the mesmerizing night sky in Pukalani, Hawaii, on a private astrophotography tour. Learn expert techniques and explore stunning mountain locations away from the city lights.
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 tripod
A steady tripod is essential for sharp long-exposure astrophotography shots.
Dress in layers
Mountain nights can get chilly even in Hawaii, so wear warm, comfortable layers.
Charge your camera batteries
Long exposure sessions drain batteries quickly, so bring fully charged spares.
Avoid bright flashlights
Use a red-filtered flashlight to preserve night vision and minimize light pollution.
Sturdy tripod
Stabilizes your camera for sharp long exposure astrophotos.
Warm layered clothing
Keeps you comfortable during chilly mountain nights.
fall
Red-filtered flashlight
Preserves night vision while navigating in the dark.
Extra camera batteries
Ensures you have enough power for long nighttime shoots.