‘Imiloa’s 13th Birthday Pā‘ina Focuses on Aviation

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center celebrated its 13th birthday on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an all-day party focused on aviation that included live presentations, planetarium shows, booths, exhibits and activities.

Sen. Kahele with a Hawaiian Airline model at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s birthday celebration on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019. PC: BIN

Activities included pilot presentations by Hawaiian Airlines and Mesa Airlines, drone flying presentations by University of Hawai‘i researchers, a scavenger hunt, kite making and much more.

A drone on display at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s birthday celebration on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019. PC: BIN

Sen. Kai Kahele, who is also a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines and had just gotten back from a flight from Tahiti, gave a talk to the kids and parents about how they could become a pilot. Sen. Kahele talked about his background and what lead him to become a pilot as well as discussing the future of the aviation program at the University of Hawai‘i.

Sen. Kahele with two of his children at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s birthday celebration on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019. PC: BIN

Other speakers that were scheduled to speak were Ted Ralsten, director of Unmanned Air Systems Lab and Sam Marrack from the Civil Patrol.

Sen. Kahele talks about how to become a pilot during ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s birthday celebration on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019. PC: BIN

Activities for keiki included building a rocket ship, making insect finger puppets, making popsicle stick airplanes and a simulated drone flying. A scavenger hunt was also held where kids could earn their flight crew badge by collecting activity stickers at various stations throughout ‘Imiloa.

Kids had the opportunity to make popsicle airplanes during ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s birthday celebration on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019. PC: BIN.

A few of the exhibitors on hand included the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), the Institute for Astronomy, 3 Mountain Alliance and Paradise Helicopters.