Talk Story with an Advertiser: ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
An iconic structure on Hawai‘i Island with an award-winning native plant landscape showcasing over 70 native species, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i is a world-class informal science center that showcases the power of Hawai‘i’s cultural traditions, its legacy of exploration and the wonders of science that come together to provide inspiration for generations. It’s the place to go to learn about the lives of Hawaiian ancestors and appreciate the connection between Hawaiian culture and the world of science, from the stars and plants to the ocean that surrounds us.
From the exquisitely designed titanium cone-shaped roofs to the only full dome planetarium on Hawai‘i Island, ‘Imiloa offers a unique experience for residents and visitors of all ages to experience the depth and magnitude of Hawai‘iʻs rich heritage of exploration. Being part of University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, next to Ka Haka ‘Ula o Ke‘elikōlani (College of Hawaiian Language) and a neighbor to six observatories’ base offices, ‘Imiloa is fortunate to be able to collaborate with professional astronomers, scientists and a cross section of educators to present interesting research findings to the community at large.
The vision for creating ‘Imiloa began in 2001 with community interest to build a place where Hawaiian culture and modern astronomical research could come together. The doors first opened in 2006.
Raised on Hawai‘i Island, Ka‘iu Kimura, ‘Imiloaʻs Executive Director says, “We take great pride in welcoming numerous school fieldtrips on a year-round basis. To date, more than 7,000 students—locally, nationally and internationally, from more than 200 schools—have visited ‘Imiloa, just this year!”
Well known for their annual signature events such as the Merrie Monarch Cultural Enrichment week in the spring and Wayfinding Festival in the fall, ‘Imiloa also supports the usage of Hawaiian language. With an array of interactive exhibits, and a data visualization room called CyberCANOE, guests are able to immerse in the wonders of culture, science and technology unique to Hawai‘i.
‘Imiloa has a navigator-in-residence who served as a senior crewmember for the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Hōkūle‘a Worldwide Voyage (2014–2017). They have developed an extensive array of wayfinding-themed activities that they present on and off site through their outreach programs.
The facility is also ideal for those looking to host events, from corporate to social. Imagine having a wedding ceremony in the planetarium!
‘Imiloa has a membership program that offers discounts to daytime shows, retail store and the on-site restaurant, and also offers corporate membership programs.
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i
600 ‘Imiloa Place, Hilo HI 96720
808.932.8901
imiloahawaii.org
