Public Visits to Gemini Hilo Base Facility, Hawai‘i

Public Visits to Gemini Hilo Base Facility, Hawai‘i

NOIRLab is pleased to host public and educational visits (60-90 minutes) at our Gemini North Hilo Base Facility located at 670 N. A'ohoku Place, Hilo, Hawai‘i. A minimum of 24 hours notice is necessary for scheduled public visit requests.  

  • At the Gemini North Base Facility the tours are limited to 20 visitors per tour.
  • The minimum number of confirmed visitors for a scheduled tour is four people. If the minimum number of people has not been met, (or the number has fallen below the minimum due to guests canceling) the day before to the scheduled visit, it will be canceled.
  • Visits may be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, in which case you will be notified by email as soon as we determine that a visit can not take place.
  • Pets are not allowed.

During the reservation process we will ask you whether you comply with our Liability Rules. Please consult them here in advance: 

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

When to Visit ?

Location

Day and tour capacities

Times and meeting points

Gemini North Base Facility, 670 N. A'ohoku Place, Hilo, Hawai‘i

2nd Friday of the Month

4-20 visitors per tour

5 pm HST

Meeting point: 670 N. A'ohoku Place, Hilo, Hawai‘i, Gemini HBF Main entrance in front of the double doors.

What will you see on the Tour 

Registered visitors will gather at Gemini North Hilo Base Facility, 670 N. A'ohoku Place, Hilo, Hawai‘i, at 5:00 pm am on the day of the visit, where they will be greeted by the NOIRLab tour guide. After verifying registration, participants will be given a brief introduction in the lobby space of the facility.

The tour will begin in a meeting space with a presentation introducing Maunakea, International Gemini Observatory, and NSF NOIRLab and discussing some of the science and technology at our site. Following this presentation, visitors will be led on a walking tour around the Hilo Base Facility concluding in the Remote Observing Room where telescope operations take place. Finally, at the end of the visit, participants will be invited to join in on Moon & sky gazing in the courtyard (weather conditions permitting).

The tour will conclude around 6:30 pm.

Check out our Facility's Virtual Tour to give you a glimpse of your future visit !

How to book a Public visit?

  • Select a Tour below and complete the Reservation Form at least 24 hours in advance of your desired date.
  • The sites you are visiting are active worksites so please accept the Safety, Liability and Code of Conduct rules and recommendations provided in the Form.
  • Once you have submitted the form, you will receive an automated email informing you that we have received your booking; if you do not receive this notification please check your spam folder and if still not found send an email to us.
  • Please note that every effort will be made to follow through with your planned visit; however, certain circumstances may prevent us from being able to conduct the visit as planned. If we need to cancel the visit we will let you know by e-mail as soon as we become aware of the potential issue.  

Travel information to visit Gemini North Hilo Base Facility in Hilo Hawai‘i, can be found here.