Imiloa Astronomy Center
About This Museum
Perched on the slopes of Maunakea, the Imiloa Astronomy Center is far more than a museum; it's a bridge between two profound ways of understanding our universe. It masterfully weaves together the ancestral wisdom of Polynesian voyagers, who navigated by the stars, with the cutting-edge discoveries made by the observatories atop the nearby mountain. You'll find yourself moving from exhibits on the formation of Hawaiian islands to immersive planetarium shows that chart the same celestial paths used by ancient wayfinders. The experience is rooted in place, both inside the striking, modern building and outside in its lush gardens of native plants.
Collection Highlights
The centerpiece is often a stunning planetarium show that connects Hawaiian star lore to modern astrophysics. Key exhibits feature full-scale replicas of Polynesian voyaging canoes and interactive displays explaining how explorers used ocean swells and bird flight patterns for navigation. Don't miss the exhibit on Maunakea itself, exploring its geological birth and its dual role as a sacred summit and a world-leading astronomy hub.
Visitor Information
Grab a bite at the Sky Garden Restaurant—the views are incredible. Be sure to check the schedule for planetarium shows as they sell out, and leave time for a peaceful stroll through the ethnobotanical gardens to see native plants like kalo (taro) and 'ōhi'a lehua.
Architecture & Building
The building's design is dramatic and symbolic, with three titanium-clad cones echoing the volcanic mountains that shape Hawai'i Island, all set within a sweeping, curved structure.
Contact & Location
Address: Imiloa Astronomy Center, 600, North Aohoku Place, Hilo, Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii, 96720, United States
Phone: +1 808-932-8901
Website: Visit Website
