Museum
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
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The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center offers a unique fusion of Hawaiian cultural narratives and modern astronomy. Located on the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus, the center's exhibits explore the significance of Maunakea as both a sacred site in Hawaiian tradition and a world-class location for astronomical observation. Visitors can engage with hands-on displays about the solar system, Hawaiian navigation, and the telescopes atop Maunakea. The highlight is the full-dome planetarium, which presents immersive shows on the night sky and Polynesian voyaging.
Don't miss
- Watch a planetarium show that combines Hawaiian star stories with modern astronomy
- Explore interactive exhibits on Maunakea's observatories and Hawaiian wayfinding
- See the full-scale model of a Hawaiian voyaging canoe and learn about celestial navigation
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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