Imiloa Astronomy Center - Hilo, Hawaii

Address: 600 Imiloa Pl, Hilo, HI 96720.
Phone: 8089328901.
Website: imiloahawaii.org
Specialties: Science museum, Non-profit organization, Planetarium.
Other points of interest: Onsite services, Active military discounts, Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating, Restaurant, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi, Family-friendly, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 167 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.5/5.

📌 Location of Imiloa Astronomy Center

☎️8089328901

⏰ Open Hours of Imiloa Astronomy Center

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM–5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM
Friday: 12–7:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM

Discover the Imiloa Astronomy Center: A Stellar Experience Awaits

Nestled in the heart of Hilo, Hawaii, at Address: 600 Imiloa Pl, Hilo, HI 96720, the Imiloa Astronomy Center stands as a beacon of scientific wonder and cultural heritage. This remarkable non-profit institution, accessible via the phone at 808-932-8901, offers an engaging blend of education and entertainment that captivates visitors of all ages. The center's website, imiloahawaii.org, serves as a comprehensive guide to what awaits inside.

Key Features and Experiences:

Specialties and Highlights

- Science Museum: Imiloa Astronomy Center is more than just a planetarium; it's an interactive science museum where learning is as fun as it is enlightening.
- Planetarium: Immerse yourself in the vastness of space with shows that take you on cosmic journeys.
- Onsite Services: Visitors can enjoy amenities such as a restaurant, restrooms, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable visit.
- Family-Friendly Environment: With wheelchair accessible features and activities suitable for kids, it's a perfect spot for family outings.

Accessibility and Convenience

- Accessibility: The center prides itself on being fully wheelchair accessible, with services including wheelchair accessible entrances, parking lots, restrooms, and seating areas.
- Discounts: Active military personnel can enjoy special discounts, showing appreciation for their service.
- Crowd-Free Visits: On a typical Sunday, visitors can enjoy a peaceful experience without the rush, as noted by one happy patron.

What Visitors Love:
- Educational Value: Many reviews highlight the depth of knowledge gained from the exhibits, especially the 3D cinema showcasing Polynesian culture and history.
- Affordability: Despite the quality of experience, many find the entry fee of $19 per adult to be extremely reasonable.
- Pleasant Environment: The center's free parking, clean facilities, and overall welcoming atmosphere contribute to a highly satisfying visit.

Opinions and Ratings:
With 167 reviews on Google My Business, the Imiloa Astronomy Center boasts an impressive average rating of 4.5/5. Visitors consistently praise the center for its educational content, accessibility, and overall family-friendly experience.

Final Recommendation:
If you're looking for a place that promises to ignite your curiosity about the universe while offering a touch of Hawaiian culture, look no further than the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the cosmos and your roots in one of Hawaii's most enriching destinations. For more information or to plan your visit, visit their website at imiloahawaii.org. Experience the magic of learning and discovery at Imiloa today

P.S. Remember to check their website for any special events or exhibitions that might enhance your visit even further. Contacting through their page can also provide you with the latest updates and plans.

👍 Reviews of Imiloa Astronomy Center

Walter R.

5/5

The entry fee of $19 per adult was worth every single cent. We had a close look at all the different well-organized exhibitions. We also went to the 3D cinema and learnt some many aspects of the Polynesian culture and history. It was great and a visit can be highly recommended. We visited the Center on a Sunday and it was not crowded at all. There is plenty of free parking just in front of the entrance.

Kit N.

5/5

First time visiting for the Dino exhibit. So organized, super clean, helpful staff. The bathrooms were very clean!! I love how they spaced out each dino and had information plaques and buttons to push. Gift shop had some really cute stuff, didnt visit the resturant this time, but will on the next visit. Lots of parking so no worries there. Two tickets were almost the same as the membership so I just bought that instead. Had to pay addition entry for the traveling exhibit, but it was worth it! 🦖

Ruby T.

1/5

Paid $52 for 2 tickets and got treated with poor attitude from the front receptionist. I saw the picnic sign outside pointed towards inside the building and asked her if there was a place inside to have picnic and she seemed annoyed that I should’ve known it’s only outside by the entrance. I am a visitor, I never been inside and the picnic sign was confusing. The map provided was extremely unhelpful as well. Then my partner and I went to see a film on the schedule in the planetarium and got told by the staff we had to leave because they were having a private showing. Overall, horrible experience here.

Jenny W.

5/5

This beautiful astronomy center seems like it belongs in a big city versus in Hilo, but it could never be so special anywhere else.

Located just outside of the University of Hawaii campus, this beautiful center is warm and inviting - it's a fantastic way to spend a rainy afternoon on the east side of the island!

The center is targeted to kids and adults of all ages!

I LOVE their infusion of Polynesian culture and astronomy. It's fascinating. They do a beautiful job incorporating traditional Hawaiian culture and language.

They also host rolling exhibits and have wonderful shows in the planetarium.

Highly recommend!

Mark T.

5/5

10/13/2024

Imiloa Astronomy Center
600 'Imiloa Place
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

I visit Hilo regularly but this is my first visit to this planetarium. I was very impressed, I've been to many and this one is top notch. The seat controls appear to be disabled and it would have been great to be able to recline the seat backs. I spent most of my time in the planetarium and saw four of the five shows with visiting a few of the exhibits between showings.

Of my four shows I enjoyed the interactive Panana Kilo Hoku-Our Wayfinder's Compass program the most. It was informative, educational and entertaining; led by a very professional lecturer. I'm an engineering nerd. The keiki show was mostly accurate excepting for Tycho's ears sticking out of his space suit and would explode on the moon.

If you are an astronomy buff, I'd recommend staying for at least 4 hours to take in the shows and exhibits. You can also have a great meal at the restaurant, which I reviewed separately. I saved the last show and the exhibits for the next visit, definite repeat. This would also be an excellent place to visit between your hotel checkout and late flight back to the mainland.

Laura P.

3/5

This is a children’s activity. As an adult, it was certainly interesting but we walked the whole place in an hour. Not worth the ticket price. Also, don’t show up early. The planetarium doesn’t start shows until 11.

Akshay S.

5/5

Amazing place for both kids and adults. The planetarium shows are top notch and very educational. The space exhibits are awesome as well. A great place to fill you with wonder and astonishment about space and science in general. I also appreciated how everything was tied into culture and how native Hawaiian and Polynesian seafarers used astronomy to explore the many islands of the pacific. Truly awe-inspiring!

Jennifer B.

5/5

Very interesting despite it's small size. Saw a reef movie that was interesting.
Had a roving dinosaur display when we visited. Not a big fan but the astrological information was good. Good place to spend a couple of hours.