In observance of its 10th anniversary, the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center — where astronomy meets Hawaiian culture — is inviting the public to a free celebration from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday sponsored by KTA Super Stores.
In observance of its 10th anniversary, the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center — where astronomy meets Hawaiian culture — is inviting the public to a free celebration from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday sponsored by KTA Super Stores.
The event will feature food, fun and free activities for all ages centered around the theme of exploration or “ ‘imiloa” in Hawaiian.
“KTA has played a cornerstone role in supporting ‘Imiloa’s educational outreach over our first decade, and it is thanks to their leadership and that of our other community supporters that ‘Imiloa is here today, proud to be launching our second decade!” said ‘Imiloa Executive Director Ka‘iu Kimura.
The anniversary celebration’s offerings include complimentary access to ‘Imiloa’s interactive exhibit hall, where visitors can step inside and pilot their own tour of the universe on the newly installed World Wide Telescope.
Special programming for the day includes 20-minute planetarium experiences and an opportunity to meet crew members from the ‘Ohana Wa‘a and the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage.
Hands-on science activity stations will be located throughout the center, including an “Inven10 Lab” where keiki can create their own “cosmic clay” and mold it to invent their own dream exhibit.
Free birthday cake will be served to the first 1,000 visitors, and KTA Super Stores will have food options for purchase. Visitors can make their own ice cream at a do-it-yourself homemade ice cream booth.
Outdoors, there will be “Cotton Candy Galaxies,” inflatable slides and “Maunakea Animal Adventure” train rides to take keiki on an expedition to search for Maunakea wildlife throughout ‘Imiloa’s award-winning native garden landscape.
‘Imiloa also will be offering a one-day-only discount of $10 off all levels of ‘Imiloa membership purchased on-site at the event. Membership includes a full year of free admission, access to exclusive events and discounts on merchandise and programs.
After years of planning and design beginning in 2001, the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center officially opened on the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus on Feb. 20, 2006. The opening included a blessing and free day for the community to experience its new 12,000-square-foot exhibit hall, digital full-dome planetarium and native landscape gardens.
Throughout its first decade, ‘Imiloa has hosted some 100,000 visitors annually, including 10,000 K-12 students and teachers on curriculum-related field trips each year.
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is located at 600 ‘Imiloa Place in Hilo. For more information, visit ImiloaHawaii.org or call 969-9700.