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: Hālau Lamakū: Week 3
June 16 - 20, 2025
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Join ʻImiloa for Session 3: Survivor Camp, a hands-on week of survival skills and outdoor exploration, where students learn self-sufficiency, navigation, and more, all within the stunning Hawaiian landscape. Registration for Session 3 closes on June 10 at 8 a.m.
Hawaiian Ecoscapes: A Journey of Land and Sea is a series of one-week summer programs designed to connect students with the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of Hawaiʻi. Through hands-on learning, art projects, and team-building activities, students will explore the rich landscapes of the islands, from the vibrant marine life of Papahānaumokuākea to the fascinating world of wildlife, snails, and more. Each week offers a unique theme that will inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Partner Event: Hālau Lamakū: Week 4
June 23 - 27, 2025
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Join ʻImiloa for Session 4: Song of the Kāhuli, to discover Hawai‘i’s unique land snail species, their habitats, and life history. Learn how these endemic creatures adapt to diverse environments and the conservation challenges they face. Registration for Session 4 closes on June 10 at 8 a.m.
Hawaiian Ecoscapes: A Journey of Land and Sea is a series of one-week summer programs designed to connect students with the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of Hawaiʻi. Through hands-on learning, art projects, and team-building activities, students will explore the rich landscapes of the islands, from the vibrant marine life of Papahānaumokuākea to the fascinating world of wildlife, snails, and more. Each week offers a unique theme that will inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Partner Event: Hālau Lamakū: Week 5
June 30 - July 3, 2025
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Join ʻImiloa for Session 5: Bugs, to uncover the fascinating world of Hawai‘i's endemic insects! Discover their unique characteristics and fascinating lives as we explore their roles in the ecosystem. Registration for Session 5 closes on June 24 at 8 a.m.
Hawaiian Ecoscapes: A Journey of Land and Sea is a series of one-week summer programs designed to connect students with the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of Hawaiʻi. Through hands-on learning, art projects, and team-building activities, students will explore the rich landscapes of the islands, from the vibrant marine life of Papahānaumokuākea to the fascinating world of wildlife, snails, and more. Each week offers a unique theme that will inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Partner Event: Hālau Lamakū: Week 6
July 7 - 11, 2025
Join ʻImiloa for Session 6: Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This one-week program offers an in-depth exploration of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, where keiki will discover the unique marine life, diverse land organisms, and the extraordinary geology of the monument to gain a deeper understanding of this natural wonder. Registration for Session 5 closes on June 24 at 8 a.m.
Hawaiian Ecoscapes: A Journey of Land and Sea is a series of one-week summer programs designed to connect students with the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of Hawaiʻi. Through hands-on learning, art projects, and team-building activities, students will explore the rich landscapes of the islands, from the vibrant marine life of Papahānaumokuākea to the fascinating world of wildlife, snails, and more. Each week offers a unique theme that will inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
AstroBash
August 2, 2025
10:00a - 1:00p
Explore and learn about our Solar System, galaxies, and the Universe at space stations hosted by NASA@ My Library and community partners.
More information coming soon.
Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library
Tanabata Block Party
August 30, 2025
More information coming soon.
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.
