ʻImiloa Astronomy Center

NASA-funded ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center brings the wonders of space down to earth on the Big Island with a mix of Hawaiian culture and modern, whiz-bang science. It includes a state-of-the-art planetarium, a replica of Mauna Kea’s summit, and a 3-D room that surrounds guests with stars. The facility sits below Hilo’s so-called Astronomy Row, which boasts a number of world-class observatories, so the information presented is very up-to-date—plus, you’ll probably be able to ask local scientists wandering around on their lunch breaks any burning questions you may have. It’s a great alternative for visitors unable to stargaze at Mauna Kea’s actual summit, which has a steep, winding gravel road that requires a 4WD with good brakes.

NASA-funded ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center brings the wonders of space down to earth on the Big Island with a mix of Hawaiian culture and modern, whiz-bang science. It includes a state-of-the-art planetarium, a replica of Mauna Kea’s summit, and a 3-D room that surrounds guests with stars. The facility sits below Hilo’s so-called Astronomy Row, which boasts a number of world-class observatories, so the information presented is very up-to-date—plus, you’ll probably be able to ask local scientists wandering around on their lunch breaks any burning questions you may have. It’s a great alternative for visitors unable to stargaze at Mauna Kea’s actual summit, which has a steep, winding gravel road that requires a 4WD with good brakes.

NASA-funded ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center brings the wonders of space down to earth on the Big Island with a mix of Hawaiian culture and modern, whiz-bang science. It includes a state-of-the-art planetarium, a replica of Mauna Kea’s summit, and a 3-D room that surrounds guests with stars. The facility sits below Hilo’s so-called Astronomy Row, which boasts a number of world-class observatories, so the information presented is very up-to-date—plus, you’ll probably be able to ask local scientists wandering around on their lunch breaks any burning questions you may have. It’s a great alternative for visitors unable to stargaze at Mauna Kea’s actual summit, which has a steep, winding gravel road that requires a 4WD with good brakes.

NASA-funded Imiloa Astronomy Center brings the wonders of space down to earth on the Big Island with a mix of Hawaiian culture and modern whiz-bang science. It includes a state-of-the-art planetarium, a replica of Mauna Kea’s summit and a 3-D room that surrounds guests with stars. The facility sits below Hilo’s so-called Observatory Row, so information presented is very up-to-date—plus you’ll probably be able to ask local scientists wandering around on their lunch breaks any burning questions you may have.