EVENTS
The Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee (MKAOC) coordinates the collective community outreach and engagement activities of observatories on Hawaiʻi Island. MKAOC offers family-friend events; ʻāina-based events; and educational opportunities to learn about astronomy, science, and Hawaiian culture.
Community Calendar
Join us for Stargazing!
The Maunakea Visitor Information Station offers free stargazing at an elevation of 9,200 feet (2800 meters). Click here for more information.
Tanabata Block Party 2025
August 30, 2025
North Aʻohōkū Place, Hilo
4:00p - 9:00p
Mauka of ʻImiloa
Join the Maunakea Observatories at the 2025 Tanabata Block Party on August 30 for an evening of free, family-friendly fun! This celebration blends the beauty of Japanese tradition with the wonder of modern science, including Maunakea astronomy discoveries.
Come out and enjoy science activity booths, Japanese cultural performances, ʻono food, and stargazing after dark (weather permitting). You can also take a look around the Gemini, Subaru, Submillimeter Array, and Institute for Astronomy base facilities, which will be partially open to the public.
Partner Event: Hālau ʻŌkupu: Kai
September 22, 2025
Session 1: 9:00a - 11:00a
Session 2: 12:00p - 2:00p
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Join 'Imiloa for Halau 'Okupu Play and Learn, a unique Place-based and Play-Based Enrichment Program designed for keiki (Ages 1-4). 'Imiloa invites parents and caregivers to come explore with their young sprouts in an environment that fosters learning through curiosity, exploration and play! Through a variety of activities, including gross and small motor skill exercises, sensory exploration, dramatic play, movement activities, and arts and crafts, keiki are encouraged to actively engage while developing essential skills. These engaging experiences are specially developed to provide opportunities for keiki and their caregivers to foster stronger connections to their island home and community.
Join ʻImiloa on this exciting journey of discovery and growth at Halau 'Okupu Play and Learn! Registration opens August 19 at 9:00a.
Partner Event: ʻIkuwā Festival 2025
September 28, 2025
10:00a - 3:00p
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
ʻImiloa’s annual festival honors ʻIkuwā—the season in Hawaiʻi when seas roar, skies crackle, and forests come alive with sound. It is a time to recognize the elements, creatures, and beings we share space with, and the interdependence that sustains us all.
In collaboration with our ʻohana waʻa (Hawaiʻi’s voyaging canoe family) and with the support of ʻAma ʻOlukai and KS Kaiāulu, we celebrate our deep ties to land, sea, and sky through this free community festival.
Enjoy planetarium talks, waʻa tours and exhibits, music, hula, crafts, a local marketplace, food vendors, and traditional makahiki games.
Journey through
the Universe
For the past 20 years, Journey Through the Universe has been Hawaiʻi Island’s preeminent astronomy education and outreach program, inspiring students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the classroom and beyond.
AstroDay
AstroDay is a free community science and astronomy event supported by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee (MKAOC). AstroDay coincides with Astronomy Day, an international grassroots movement to share the joy of astronomy with local communities.
Families and schools are invited to join AstroDay events in both Hilo and Kona for exhibits, demonstrations, activities, and entertainment designed to inspire the next generation of astronomers.
Maunakea
Coin Contest
Every year, Hawaiʻi Island K-12 students have the opportunity to design the Maunakea collector’s coin. From hundreds of entries, one lucky winner’s design is selected by a panel of judges and gets printed on that year’s coin! The bronze collector’s coin is available at the First Light Bookstore at the Visitor Information Station on Maunakea, and aluminum versions of the coin are available at Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee events throughout the year.
Solar System Walk
This annual event transforms Waimea town into a scale model of our solar system and invites Hawaiʻi Island community to enjoy a day of outdoor education and astronomical fun.
