Imiloa Astronomy Center

Address: 600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Hours: Open Daily 9am to 5pm, Closed on Monday

Location: University of Hawaii at Hilo, Big Island

Parking: Guest Parking

Phone: 808-932-8901

Directions: Located at the top of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Campus

Official Website: Imiloa Astronomy Center

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Prepare to increase your learning curve and expand your knowledge to new horizons. Imiloa Astronomy Center is a must-visit place in Hilo, Big Island if you are visiting Hawaii and intending to explore it's culture and roots. Adventure awaits you at Imioa Astronomy Center. The word Imiloa itself means "to seek far" and is a Hawaiian equivalent of the word 'explore' or 'explorer'. Imiloa Astronomy Center was built with the purpose to communicate the history and culture of Hawaii through communicating the astronomical findings that lead to this place. A full-dome video projection is on display at this 120 seating planetarium to share the astronomical and historical facts of Hilo, Hawaii with locals and tourists in an interesting yet informative way. "Mauna Kea: Between Earth and Sky" is the signature show put up at Imiloa that depicts the journey and discoveries of Astronomers and Polynesians. The most interesting fact is that Polynesians found the Big Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean by following the stars' pattern.

Such an interesting portrayal of facts and discoveries leaves the audience in awe. Another famous show named "Dawn of the Space Age 3D" depicts the space exploration done as a result of the space race between the United States and the USSR which is the only 3D planetarium show in the world. These interesting and spell-bound shows attract tourists from all around the world while locals also love to attend these shows to understand their own culture and history. The shows are amazingly drafted and screened so that no one leaves the astronomy center without learning something new and interesting. The Imiloa Astronomy Center has something to offer to all kinds of tourists. The Astronomy Center is not only famous for the amazing show it puts on but also for its marvelous architectural marvel with three large titanium-clad cones on top of it which represents the three volcanos namely Mauna Loa, Hualalai, and Mauna Kea. This Astronomy Center is a part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and it's constructed adjacent to University Park.

The garden surrounding this center is home to canoe plants brought by the Polynesians along with endemic and native plants. The garden itself shares the tales of history with the visitors and depicts the theme of the astronomy center. It also has an exhibit hall and a gift shop from where you can buy souvenirs to remember your visit to this place which shares the rich culture and history of Hilo, Hawaii. The sky garden café offers the visitors a soothing environment to enjoy snacks while appreciating the beauty of extensive gardens and the view of Hilo Bay which is quite visible from there. You can also join in "Mauna Kea Skies" which is held on the last Saturday of every month. You can also witness a magnificent statue representing Alpha Centauri at this center. You can also enjoy the view from the Subaru telescope, explore the history further at Lyman museum and ejnoy the adventure at Mauna Loa Observatory.

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