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.
Partner Event: Planetarium Guest Speaker - Eric Burt
September 17, 2025
6:00p - 7:30p
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Since their invention nearly a century ago, atomic clocks have become essential to modern technology. With recent advances achieving precision to 19 digits, they enable GPS, space navigation, and spacecraft measurements of planetary atmospheres and gravity. Atomic clocks also test Einstein’s relativity and probe fundamental physics. Most recently, they’ve contributed to imaging supermassive black holes. Despite their widespread impact, their workings remain mysterious to many. This talk will explain how atomic clocks work and explore their powerful applications in accessible terms.
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.
ʻOhana Stargazing at Moʻokini Heiau
September 27, 2025
5:00p - 9:00p
Moʻokini Heiau
ʻOhana Kilo Hōkū (OKH) is hosting an 'Ohana Stargazing event at Moʻokini Heiau, a temple to the children of the world, by invitation of Kahuna Nui Leimomi Lum. Join us to learn more about the heiau, hear ancestral stories, connect with celestial enthusiasts, ask astronomers your burning hōkū questions, explore with telescopes, marvel at space’s beauty, and chart our wayfinders’ celestial guideposts.
Opening protocol with Hālau Kawehileimamoikawēkiu'oKōhala will begin at 5:00p, followed by tours of the heiau and talk story with cultural practitioners and experts. Sunset is at 6:14p, and stargazing will begin soon after. RSVP is mandatory to attend. Click the button to learn more and sign up.
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.
Partner Event: 100 Hours of Astronomy: Big Astronomy, Big Aspirations
Virtual
October 2, 2025
The International Astronomical Union's Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) is kicking off the global 100 Hours of Astronomy celebration with a 360° YouTube livestream of the planetarium show, Big Astronomy. This show highlights the diversity of people who work at some of the most important sites for modern astronomy and their careers.
Ardis Herrold (Rubin Observatory) will follow with a talk entitled “The NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory - The Transformative Years”, discussing the next generation of ground-based astronomy. All are welcome to join this hour-long online event and engage with speakers, creators, and audiences worldwide! Exact times and details to come.
Partner Event: 100 Hours of Astronomy: 24 Hours of Planetariums
OAO Youtube Channel
October 4, 2025
Planetariums - large, small, mobile, stationary, and hand-made - are important cultural and educational centres for their communities. As part of the 100 Hours of Astronomy celebration, the OAO and IPS are showing the world unique views from inside planetariums around the world. This 24-hour continuous event will stream live from the Akashi Municipal Planetarium in Japan.
Partner Event: Hālau Lamakū Fall Program
October 6-10, 2025
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Hālau Lamakū is ʻImiloa's Student Enrichment Program, designed to support students in grades K–5 by offering a place-based curriculum. The Hālau Lamakū Fall Program “Loko Iʻa: Living Connections Between Land and Sea,” is a one-week program where students explore the cultural, historical, and ecological importance of Hawaiʻi’s traditional fishponds.
Through interactive lessons, art projects, storytelling, and hands-on activities, students will learn how loko iʻa connect communities to the ocean, support native species, and showcase the innovation of Native Hawaiian engineering. Using models, maps, multimedia, and creative play, participants will explore the flow of water, identify key plants and animals, and understand the role of stewardship in keeping these systems thriving. The program fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the balance between land and sea.
Member Registration Opens: Tuesday, August 19, at 9:00a
Non-Member Registration Opens: Wednesday, August 20, at 9:00a
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.
