#imiloa astronomy center

The visit, coordinated through the U.S. Department of Defense’s annual Defense Attaché Orientation Program, gave the 50-some diplomats a chance to learn how University of Hawaiʻi researchers and international partners help drive some of the world’s most important astronomical discoveries.

A birthday bash from 2 to 6 p.m. today will feature hands-on activities, anniversary treats, giveaways and full access to exhibits and the planetarium all for free; the celebration also kicks off a year of monthly anniversary programming throughout 2026.

Whether you love comedy, the ocean, samba or celebrating Kamehameha the Great, there is plenty of things to do this week on Hawaiʻi Island.

Before donning your Aloha wear best or that new designer outfit to show off at tonight’s Hōʻike, check out some of the other events happening throughout Hilo during festival week.

Hilo will be the epicenter of all things hula and Hawaiian as the annual Merrie Monarch Festival — the weeklong celebration of island culture — returns for its 62nd year.

Expedition Dinosaur: Into the Deep debuts at ʻImiloa from Feb. 7 to May 4 with animatronics, fossils and interactive displays that immerse visitors in prehistoric waters.

The astronomy center in Hilo is diving in to the world of Hawaiʻi’s sharks and rays. It’s also hosting a pumpking deocrating contest and showing ‘Expedition Reef,’ an exclusive Halloween planetarium experience. Check out all of the Halloween haunts for Oct. 29 now!

The instrument’s name, Wenaokeao, means “earliest glow of light” and was given after extensive research by high school haumāna, or students.

The Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair continues today through Saturday. The Merrie Monarch Royal Parade is Saturday. Here’s all the details.

Check out where the Easter Bunny will be hopping around the island this weekend and get ready to celebrate everything hula and Hawaiian during the 61st annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.

The weeklong education and outreach program is aimed at expanding science literacy and inspiring students in grades 3-12 to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering and math through classroom presentations, career panels, public events and more.

The annual meteor shower that happens from the end of December to the middle of January peaks tonight, with up to 120 bright fireball meteors possible streaking through the center of the sky.

Baby, it’s been chilly and wet outside for about the past week, but the forecast calls for increased sunshine and fewer showers through the holiday weekend, but no snow on the mauna.

About a quarter of all full moons are considered to be supermoons. Only 3% of full moons are blue moons, which occur about two and three years apart. It’s considerably less frequent that the two coincide.

The award honors a team for outstanding contributions to education and modeling innovation and adaptation within education program planning, development and implementation.

The 21st Annual AstroDay, a free science and astronomy event, will be held May 6 at the Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo.

The second night of competition takes place Friday at the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival with groups performing hula kahiko (ancient hula dances).

Today, the competition begins at the 60th Merrie Monarch Festival, with 12 candidates vying for Miss Aloha Hula.

The action isn’t just at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium and Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium during Merrie Monarch Week on the Big Island. There are several other venues throughout Hilo and East Hawai‘i that will feature hula, music, arts and crafts, Hawaiian cultural events and other entertainment.

Construction is expected to start this year on a new research campus in Hilo that will not only house the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory but also the Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center.