Kauai Observing Spots

This may not be the proper forum for this, but I'll post here anyway. My wife and I will be spending her spring break week on Kauai. It's the last week in March, and since the new moon falls on Wednesday of that week I'm thinking about takng my SV Nighthawk travel rig along and trying to get in at least one night's viewing. Has anyone done any observing on that island, and if so, where are the best spots? I'm thinking that somewhere on the west side or perhaps along the Waimea Canyon Road to get a little elevation. Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks,
Jim

Jim, I would say that the Waimea Canyon is your best spot. There is several different parking spots with nice views from 3000 to a little over 4000 feet. I had planned on doing some observing from there when I got married a couple years ago, but never made it. I brought along a 4.5" Orion scope with me. I ende up waiting until the Big island, and doing my observing from Mauna Kea (Visitor Center) at 9200 ft. The canyon in Kauai should be a good spot.
Rick Runcie

Jim Carpenter said:

I'm thinking that somewhere on the west side or perhaps along the Waimea Canyon Road to get a little elevation. Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks,
Jim

I'm not familiar specifically with this island. However, I would keep in mind when picking a spot that I want a very good southern exposure. That extra twenty degrees south in my case (and probably more for most other people because I already live fairly far south) should be the place where I want to do most of my observing.

Alex

Jim
I observed from the west side of Kauai using an AP traveller a couple of years ago during June. I observed from sea level on the west side, near where the Waimea Canyon road joins the shore highway. I had clouds coming and going most of the nights I was there. I was up the Waimea Canyon road during the day. The state park at the top might be a reasonable spot to try observing from. I don't think it will have a great southern exposure, however. I don't remember the turnouts on the way up the canyon road as being very large, but observing from them may be possible. Being that far south, one wants to see those southern objects. You should be able to see Eta Carina, Omega Centauri, Vela SN remnant, Southern Cross, Jewel Box, and Coal Sack from that latitude. Most of these will be late night/early morning objects this time of year.