ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo
VerifiedFixed locationChildren'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.
Plan This Visit

Best for

widest appeal for preschool through middle-elementary, with enough substance for older siblings

Hours

Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Parking

On-campus parking is available; confirm current parking guidance before arrival.

Visit style

museum and planetarium outing

Birthday parties

Available

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

Best for families who want a museum-style outing with strong educational value, especially if your kids like space, culture, and hands-on exhibits.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

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

At a Glance

Venue type

Kids activity center

Age groups

ToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Play features

Museum exhibitsSensory play

Family amenities

Food available

Birthday party options

Birthday parties

Visit options

Drop-in visitsMembership availableClasses or events

Price range

Mid-range

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Operator type

Museum

Play model

Mixed open play + classes

Supervision model

Mixed model

Max recommended age

Under 13

Structured classes or guided programming

Yes

Restaurant on site

Yes

Plan Your Visit

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
FoodLehua Restaurant is on site, with lunch service Wednesday through Sunday and dinner nightly.
ParkingOn-campus parking is available; confirm current parking guidance before arrival.
Hours NoteOpen Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and closed Monday.
Visit LengthPlan roughly 2 to 4 hours if you are doing exhibits plus a planetarium show.

Pricing Snapshot

NotesPlanetarium programs and special events may have separate pricing.
General Admission

Adults

$19

Members

Free

Children 5 To 12

$12

Seniors 65 Plus

$17

Kamaaina Adults

$14

Kamaaina Seniors

$12

Children 4 And Under

Free

Kamaaina Children 5 To 12

$9

About the Venue

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.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age Fitwidest appeal for preschool through middle-elementary, with enough substance for older siblings
Noise Levellow to moderate
Visit Stylemuseum and planetarium outing
Energy Levellow to medium
Parent Comfortgood for adults who enjoy museums and quieter pacing
Booking Frictionlow for general admission, moderate if you want timed planetarium programming

Birthday Party Snapshot

SummaryBirthday parties are offered, but current package details should be confirmed directly with the center.

Accessibility & Comfort

LayoutIndoor exhibits and the planetarium make this a strong rainy-day option.
SupportContact the center for current accessibility accommodations and planetarium seating guidance.

External Links

Nearby Alternatives

Use these nearby profiles to contrast fit, coverage, and planning details around Hilo and the wider Big Island East / Hilo side area.

Quick Summary

Best for

widest appeal for preschool through middle-elementary, with enough substance for older siblings

Hours

Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Parking

On-campus parking is available; confirm current parking guidance before arrival.

Visit style

museum and planetarium outing

Contact Information

Address

600 ʻImiloa Place

Hilo, HI, 96720

Source & Verification

Last updated

April 18, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 7, 2026

Checked against 2 public sources.

Reviewed as

Business website and booking-flow review

What Changed

April 7, 2026

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

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