Stargazing in Hawaii? Magellanic clouds from Maui?

I'm going off to maui for 10 days. Was wondering if I should use my precious 1 carry on for a small 4.5" travel scope. I have no idea what the star gazing is like off of Kanapali or if there is somewhere I could go that is open to public... a local club or something?

The key for me would be if I could see something there I can't see at home (Portland, OR, USA). The difference in lat. being 45 for home and 21 for maui.

Can I see the LMC and SMC? what else might be a show stopper that I can't see from home? And in general, how's the stargazing from the coasts there (resorts = light pollution?)

Thanks for any advice. Don't want to pack scope unnecessarily and may just take binos.
Thanks.
Tom.

Your best bet is Haleakala. One of the top 10 spots for seeing. Take your scope and enjoy the view. The park is open 24 hours. You will be amazed at the views. Weather permitting.There are also star gazers tours that use some larger scopes that you can check on.There is Maui Astronomy Club
http://www.mauiastronomyclub.org/about-the-maui-astronomy-club

I am not sure if there are any other clubs.

Dave

Tom-

Went to Maui last January and took an 80mm refractor. I had some fun, but nothing to write home about. Maui has light pollution as bad as my home in Tucson, AZ. As mentioned, the view from the volcano is much better...but depending on where you are staying it can be a long drive.

Either way, enjoy the whales!