Social Activities

Welcoming Reception:

There will be a welcoming reception from 5-7pm on Oct 20 (Sunday) at the Grand Naniloa hotel.

Excursion:

Wednesday (Oct 23) afternoon is reserved for excursion. There are three activities planned:

  • Volcano National Park. Shuttles will leave from Naniloa hotel at 1pm and return at 6pm. Snacks will be provided. It is an approximately 45 minute drive to and from the park. Planned stops include the visitor center, steam vents, and sea arch after a drive down Chain of Craters road. Optional stop at petroglyphs with moderately easy 50-minute round trip hike needed. (Jaggar museum, lava tube, and many more popular locations are now closed after 2018 eruption event.) Cost: $60 per person
  • Kaūmana Caves. Drive yourself or rideshare (approximately $20 with Uber or Lyft) to the location 6 miles away from Naniloa hotel. LOC members will guide tour of lava caves, approximately a 2-hour round trip. Headlamp required. Long pants, closed toed shoes, and rain jacket highly recommended. There are some tight spots in the caves, but this hike can be done with no experience. Cost: $0 if you bring your own headlamp, $10 per person for buying a headlamp.
  • Beach day. Drive yourself or rideshare (approximately $15 with Uber or Lyft) to the location 4 miles away from Naniloa hotel. LOC members will host a beach day on our black sand beach. Bring your own towels, swim & snorkeling gear, food, and drinks. Water and snacks will be provided.

Payment due in Hilo at registration [credit card or cash USD accepted]

Conference Dinner:

We have planned a special evening at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center on the campus of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. A cocktail hour will be held inside the main exhibit space, where we will have full access to museum-style displays on Hawaiian astronomy, history and culture. A local-style buffet dinner will follow, and we will have a special program featuring hula and the cultural significance of Maunakea. A charter bus will leave the Grand Naniloa at 17:30 and return at 21:00. You are welcome to arrive at the venue (4 miles from the hotel) under your own transportation starting at 17:30.

Public Talk by Martin Barstow:

Come join us on Wednesday evening (October 23rd at 19:00) for a talk given by our very own Martin Barstow at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center! Tickets are 10$ and more information can be found at their website here: https://imiloahawaii.org/shows-events/mks-10-23-19 

Please send an email to iaus357@gemini.edu if you have any questions.