The Mauna Kea observatories, the 50-year-old independent astronomical research facilities on the summit of Mauna Kea, are giving space enthusiasts an opportunity through tours to learn how it writes unforgettable history of the universe.

The observatories and the Imiloa Astronomy Center have already kicked off the first Kamaaina Observatory Experience tour from Saturday, January 16. The new program has been established especially for people of Hawaii. During these free tours, the public will be able to see the world's most powerful telescopes.

The main motive of the program is to tell Hawaii residents how experts are working at the Mauna Kea observatories and how they manage the mountain, said Doug Simons, director of the Canada-France-Hawaii telescope and board member of Office of Mauna Kea Management. He hopes that such tours could help in making things better between Hawaiian cultural practitioners and workers at the observatories. Last years, a number of protests and legal challenges halted the development of a telescope, Thirty Meter Telescope.

“There's a whole structure here that I suspect is invisible to most people. That's part of what we're trying to expose in this whole process”, Simons added.

While the free tour will allow people see some extraordinary telescopes, there will be some events to address the cultural and environmental importance of the mountain. As per Dashiel Naea Stevens, an interpretive guide at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, it is the duty of every person at the observatories to preserve these for many years to come.

Last year, a number of protesters stood against the construct of the Thirty Meter Telescope. They believe the Hawaiian mountain is sacred and development will be against the religious beliefs. On the other side, scientists worry protests to protect it from construction could stop from gaining a new master lease.