‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and Stargazing

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
and Stargazing

Overview

Did you know the Big Island is one of the best places in the world to see stars? This adventure begins with a scenic drive up and over Saddle Road to the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. There, students will interact with hands-on exhibits that explore the wonders of the universe — from black holes to ancient Hawaiian wayfinding. They’ll also enjoy a kid-friendly astronomy film inside the Center’s state-of-the-art planetarium, where the stars come to life above them. Along the way, they’ll learn how Polynesian navigators used the night sky to explore and settle the vast Pacific Ocean — long before GPS.

After a snack break and some games on the grass, we’ll head back up Saddle Road to catch the sunset. As night falls, we’ll gather under the stars to spot constellations, discuss black holes and nebulas, and reflect on our place in the universe.

Our Next Adventure is in:

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Price:
TBA

Duration:
1:00PM – 8:30PM

 Meeting/End Location:
Kona Walmart parking lot – south side 

Ages:
11–18 years old

Highlights

• Games and snacks at Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area on the way to Hilo

• Hands-on learning at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center’s interactive exhibits

• A planetarium film that brings the universe to life

• Stargazing and constellation spotting under Hawaiʻi’s incredible night sky

What’s Included

• Drinking water

• Snacks

• Field journal and pencil

What to Bring

• A sack dinner

• A warm coat and sweatshirt (it gets chilly at night!)

• Long pants and closed-toe shoes with socks

• A sense of adventure!

Important Notes

• The itinerary may be adjusted based on weather or student input to make the most of our time together

• Please let us know in advance if your child has any dietary restrictions or allergies

Itinerary

(Subject to change due to weather conditions)

1:00 PM Depart the Walmart parking lot for Hilo via Saddle Road . Enjoy scenic views as we travel across the Big Island’s high country.

1:45 PM Stop at Gilbert Kahele Rec Center for a bathroom break and some fun games at the park.

2:45 PM Arrive at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and explore the cool exhibits!

4:00-5:00 PM Planetarium show. Prepare to be awed by the incredile 360 degree screen!

5:00 PM Dinner on the grass outside the astronomy center. Draw or write in field journal. Run around, play games and have fun until it’s time to go!

5:45 PM Drive back up Saddle road. Hike up Pu’u Huluhulu to watch the sunset between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

7:00 PM Drive to stargazing location closer to Kailua Kona. Watch dusk set in, talk about the universe, look at stars and draw or write in our observations and thoughts in our field journals.

8:00 PM Drive back to Kona and discuss the amazing things we’ve learned today

8:30 PM Pick up at Walmart Parking lot.