Frequently asked questions
About the MAV (Multi-Person Astronomical Viewer) and stargazing sessions in Kula, Maui.
What is the MAV?
A private stargazing instrument for two. You sit side by side, the platform rises toward the sky, and you look through a pair of telescopes that merge into one view, like giant binoculars. You steer it yourself with a joystick, so you choose where in the sky to look.
What does MAV stand for?
Multi-Person Astronomical Viewer. It's the name for a new kind of telescope, built for more than one person to look through together. As far as we know, ours is the first of its kind. Anyone who builds one can call it a MAV too.
Who's the founder? Who invented the MAV?
The inventor of the MAV is named Garrett Evans. He lives in Kula, Maui. In 2024 he thought there should be a way to share an immersive astronomy experience. He had never built a telescope and he was not an engineer, but 18 months later he had a working prototype. He's passionate about sharing the night sky with others, which is why the MAV is a two-seater and it's why he interacts with guests on a regular basis.
How long is a session?
Session length is listed with the open times at mav.earth/availability, and our phone line can check any night for you. Please arrive 15 minutes early; check-in and orientation happen before your time at the eyepieces.
How many people?
Two seats per booking. It's a private session for you and one other person.
How much does it cost?
$249 per person. During our pilot season it's half off: $124.50 per person, so $249 for the two of you.
How do I book?
Pick a night and start time at mav.earth/availability and book that session online. Or call (808) 758-7598, or email hello@mav.earth, and we'll find a time with you.
Where is it?
Upcountry Maui, in Kula. During the pilot season it's a backyard experience at a private site; the exact location is sent with your confirmation.
Who can join a session?
Everyone in the seats needs to be at least 48 inches tall and no taller than 7 feet, with a maximum weight of 350 lb per seat. Kids 8 and up are welcome with a parent or guardian. Everyone signs a short waiver.
What should I wear?
Upcountry nights get cold. Bring layers, a hat, and closed-toe shoes. Blankets are on hand.
Can I take photos through the telescopes?
No. Holding a phone to the eyepieces is clumsy and pulls you out of the moment. A built-in photo feature is on the way.
What if it's cloudy?
We watch the forecast closely and contact you before your session if conditions won't cooperate, then move you to another night that works. Some cloud doesn't rule a night out: the Moon shows through thin cloud, and a Moon night is still a great night.
Which night or time has the clearest sky?
We keep an hour-by-hour sky outlook for the next seven nights and can suggest open times with the clearest sky. It's a forecast, not a promise: the next two or three nights are fairly reliable, later ones less so, and we check again before every session.
Will we see the Moon?
Depends on the night and time. From our site the Moon comes into view about an hour after it rises. A bright or full Moon is one of the most spectacular things to look at through the optics. It also washes out the faintest objects like distant galaxies and nebulae; planets, star clusters and double stars still look great. If you want the Moon, we'll suggest a time when it's up. If you want the darkest sky, we'll suggest a time when it's down.
Do I need experience?
None. If you can look through binoculars, you're all set.
What will we see?
Depends on the night: planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, the Moon. You steer with a joystick, and a sky map on the screen between you shows where you're pointed and suggests what to look at next.
Can I book a private event?
Yes. Ask for details and Garrett will follow up.
Cancellations / refunds?
Cancel 48 hours or more ahead for a full refund or a free reschedule. Inside 48 hours of your start time there are no refunds for cancellations or changes. We'll still move you to another date, but a booking changed inside 48 hours doesn't become refundable again. If we cancel, you choose another date or a full refund. If you're more than 15 minutes late or don't show, the session is forfeited.
What if the weather cancels it?
We'll reach out before your session. You can move to another night that works, or get a full refund if none does.