Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
On the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus, ʻImiloa links Maunakea astronomy with Hawaiian navigation and creation traditions, with interactive exhibits, a planetarium and native plant gardens.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · Photo: Hawaii Land Cover Analysis project, NOAA Coastal Services Center, Public domain
Quick answer
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is a museum in Hilo, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow 2 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Museum
- Area
- Hilo
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids and rainy day
- Best months
- May and July–August
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About ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
On the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus, ʻImiloa links Maunakea astronomy with Hawaiian navigation and creation traditions, with interactive exhibits, a planetarium and native plant gardens. It is a good rainy-day alternative to the summit.
Tip: Check the planetarium schedule when you arrive and plan your visit around a show.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Hilo, old-fashioned bayfront town of farmers markets, gardens and rain.
Best time to visit ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- July: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, busy crowds.
- August: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Big Island (Hawaiʻi) itinerary visits ʻImiloa Astronomy Center on day 3, together with ʻAkaka Falls State Park and Hilo Farmers Market.
- No. 15 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- A family favourite in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) with kids.
Near ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Also in Hilo, so you can walk between them:
- Hilo Farmers Market — 1 hour, free
- Pacific Tsunami Museum — 1 hour, low cost
- Liliʻuokalani Gardens — 1 hour, free
Staying near ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Stay in Hilo ($$) to walk here: old-fashioned bayfront town of farmers markets, gardens and rain. All areas to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center?
Plan 2 hours. With Hilo Farmers Market nearby, it fits a half-day in Hilo.
+Is ʻImiloa Astronomy Center free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit ʻImiloa Astronomy Center?
May and July–August, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Check the planetarium schedule when you arrive and plan your visit around a show.
+Do I need to book ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is ʻImiloa Astronomy Center good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Big Island (Hawaiʻi). The Big Island is a superb family destination for active children, with volcanoes, turtles, waterfalls and calm beaches.