23rd Astro Day highlights astronomy, natural science and robots on Saturday in Hilo

Whether you’re a stargazer, science buff or just in it for the robots — AstroDay is your launchpad to discovery. 

More than 30 organizations will host demonstrations, games and activities that highlight astronomy, robotics and natural sciences during the 23rd annual Astro Day.

The free, interactive event that takes place on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo.

“This is a great opportunity to ask your favorite questions about not only space, but other sciences as well,” said Carolyn Kaichi, event coordinator for the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy.

This science celebration is hosted by Maunakea Observatories, and features hands-on activities, science demonstrations, robotics, giveaways and educational fun for all ages.

Throughout the day, attendees can visit stations to collect AstroDay coins and enter to win prizes, including telescopes and skateboards.

There will be entertainment and an award presentations at the mid-mall stage, with live coverage provided by KWXX Radio.

The public can also enjoy and interact with robotics projects from local high schools. The Hawaii Science and Technology Museum will host a “Robot Rumble”, where 15 robotic teams from around the Big Island will battle against each other.

The 2025 winners of the Maunakea Coin Contest, a statewide graphic design competition for Hawaiʻi Island students in grades K through 12, will be announced at 10 a.m., immediately following the opening ceremony. Top designs will earn prizes and a spot on this year’s official AstroDay collector coins and event T-shirts.

To learn more about AstroDay, go to: https://www.maunakeaobservatories.org/events.

Organizations participating in AstroDay include:

• UH Institute for Astronomy
• Canada France Hawaiʻi Telescope
• Subaru Telescope
• Submillimeter Array
• Gemini Observatory
• W.M. Keck Observatory
• Las Cumbres Observatory (Maui)
• Maunakea Visitor Information Station
• Thirty Meter Telescope
• East Asian Observatory/James Clerk Maxwell Telescope
• Project PANOPTES
• Hawaiʻi Science & Technology Museum
• UH Hawaiʻi Space Flight Lab
• Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES)
• Onizuka Space Science Program
• Maunakea Coin Contest
• UH Hilo Physics & Astronomy Dept.
• Shadow the Scientist Program
• Thelma Parker Memorial Public & School Library
• Hilo Viking Robotics
• Waiakea HS “Hot Rocks”
• Waiakea HS Key Club
• International Lunar Observatory Association
• USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
• NOAA National Weather Service
• STARBASE Hawaiʻi
• Pacific Tsunami Museum
• Hawaii Keiki Museum
• Hōʻāla Program
• MPI Security