Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii

“Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi, part of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, opened in 2006. The Center brings renowned Mauna Kea with its world-famous astronomical observatories within the reach of Hawaiʻi’s communities and every visitor to the Big Island of Hawaii. The Center is located in the Science and Technology Park within the UH Hilo campus, off Komohana and Nowelo Streets. ʻImiloa (meaning to explore or to pursue profound knowledge) offers a uniquely Hawaiian journey through time and space, beginning with a simulated ascent up Mauna Kea. This experience includes the Kumulipo chant, depicting the Hawaiian account of the origins of life, as well as astronomers’ insights into the origins of the universe from a scientific point of view. All exhibits are in both Hawaiian and English, reflecting the Center’s commitment to Hawaiian language and culture. A life-size re-creation of a local Hawaiian language immersion school brings visitors into a close encounter with the movement to restore the Hawaiian language to normalcy. Regularly scheduled dramatizations and presentations bring to life Hawaiian legends and cultural understanding. Annual events include ʻImi Naʻauao, a Wayfinding Skills workshop in partnership with ʻOhana Waʻa and the Wayfinding and Navigation Festival. This workshop celebrates the historic feats of Pacific navigators along with current efforts to revive and expand celestial navigation skills.”