Source-checked Apr 7, 2026Children's Museums

ʻImiloa Astronomy Center

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, HI

Hilo science-and-culture center with exhibits, a planetarium, family admission, and regular youth programs.

ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo

Editorial notes

What stands out

Good fit

  • Elementary-age kids and mixed-age siblings
  • Families combining exhibits with a planetarium show
  • Visitors who prefer an educational indoor outing over all-action play

Consider another option if

  • Families seeking padded toddler play as the main attraction
  • Kids who only want to climb, jump, and run

Know Before You Go

Food
Lehua Restaurant is on site, with lunch service Wednesday through Sunday and dinner nightly.
Supervision model
Mixed model

What to Expect

For kids

  • Toddlers
  • Preschoolers
  • Big kids
  • Mixed ages
  • Museum exhibits
  • Sensory play

For caregivers

  • Food available
  • Mixed model
Visit type
museum and planetarium outing
Read more about this location

ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is one of Hilo's strongest indoor family destinations, blending astronomy, Hawaiian culture, and hands-on exhibits in a museum-style setting. It is not a pure indoor playground, but it offers plenty for families who want a rainy-day outing with educational value, planetarium programming, and youth activities. For younger children, the fit is best when families want guided curiosity and interactive exhibits rather than padded climb-and-slide play.

Hours & Admission

Posted hours

Check posted weekly hours

View full weekly hours
Weekly posted opening hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.

Admission

Published admission prices
VisitorPrice
Adults$19
Children 5 To 12$12
Seniors 65 Plus$17
Kamaaina Adults$14
Kamaaina Seniors$12
Children 4 And UnderFree
Kamaaina Children 5 To 12$9

Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.

Location

600 ʻImiloa Place

Hilo, HI, 96720

Get directions

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Sources & Updates

Source-checked Apr 7, 2026 against 2 public sources

View source and update details
Last check on record
Apr 7, 2026
Sources reviewed
2 public sources

Public sources

What changed

  • April 7, 2026

    Verified hours, address, and admission pricing, and replaced the cover with an official venue image.