Imiloa Astronomy Center, Hilo
Imiloa Astronomy Center, near the University of Hilo, is a modern and colorful museum. It is like a children's museum, with many fun, hands-on, imaginative exhibits for kids, but plenty of interesting information for adults to read too. The rooms are eye-catching, and there is even a black-light tunnel that is memorable. If I had kids and lived in Hilo, I'd get an annual membership here!
From the moment you walk in, the museum looks impressive, with a tile mosaic of ocean waves on the floor, a rotunda above, and Hawaiian words painted around the circle of columns. There is a gift shop in the lobby, with science and educational toys. The museum is astronomy and ocean-science focused, with a good tie-in of Polynesian culture.
In one activity, kids can color a fish or shark on a sheet of paper, scan it, and then see it swimming around in an ocean scene on the wall! In another room, there are giant foam shapes that kids can build with. A tunnel of artwork trees with bird sounds is a pretty room to walk through.
After, catch a show at the planetarium.
There is a rooster that wonders around the grounds of the museum- you might see it when you return to your car. Lava rocks on the grass by the parking lot are fun to jump off.
Nearby, check out the bromeliad and cycad garden, and palm garden, at UH Hilo.
An awesome activity for kids is the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo.
Kids also like playing by the calm water at Reed's Bay Beach Park.
Running up and down the steep curved bridges at Wailoa River State Park is also a delight for kids.
The ocean-themed mosaic tiles on the lobby floor.
Open the little door and see a happy-faced spider!
Bear constellation, in a planetarium show.
You can color a shark, scan it, and then watch it swim by on the screen!
Little engineers can work with giant foam shapes.
Black light makes such a magical effect in the tunnel!
Hawaiian words in the lobby.
Cute picture and story about the Hawaiian honeycreeper bird, or 'Alawi, in the lobby.
Sea surface temperature for the day.
How the Hawaiians navigated.
Hawaiians followed the lunar phases when planting crops. The flow of sap changes with the lunar phase, making a nutrient-rich environment.
Little ones can put their face in the picture.
Open the door to find out about a plant or bird.
Plaque about how to plan a voyage.
Kids love to open little doors!
Polynesian ocean voyages.
Sit on these giant pebbles in a room full of leaves.
Tree tunnel with bird sounds. I liked this part!
Only the Big Island still has the 'Akepa bird.
Yellow birds endemic to Hawaii.
Gold was created by the stars.
Calcium was created by stars.
A meteorite that predates Earth's oldest known rocks.
The gift shop.
Planetarium show.
Rooster outside the museum!
It's fun to jump off the lava rocks outside the museum.
Planet walk. We didn't have time to walk over to this part.
Rotunda in the lobby.
Jupiter's moons.
Mercury, Jupiter's moon, Earth's moon...the difference between a planet and a moon.
Magnetite sand.
Constellations in a planetarium show.
The black light tunnel, with streamers above.
The rich life found in volcanic vents under the sea.
People left comments: I love how rain smells. I love the sound of the rain on the rooftop. I love that Hilo rain is warm and makes everything green. Rain has always brought me peace.
Old photos of Hawaiian residents.
The black light tunnel!
Snails on the tree in the black light tunnel.
Open Tues-Sun 9-4:30. Different planetarium shows are at 11am, noon, 1, and 3. Weekends there is an extra show at 10am.
The address is 600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, HI 96720. There is a large parking lot.
Admission is $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for children, and free for children aged 4 and under. Kama'aina (residents) and military pay about $2-$5 less.
Annual membership is free for UH Hilo and HCC Hilo students! Family membership is $85 a year, and includes good special events.
Last Updated: Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:08:33 GMT
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