We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Imiloa Astronomy Center

600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720
808-969-9700
Update attraction details
Ranked #8 of 33 attractions in Hilo
Type: Observatories/ Planetariums, Science Museums
Traveller Description: 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, on the Big Island in Hilo, Hawaii, offers a fascinating bridge between science and culture. The connection is through the... more »
Write a Review

77 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    41
    25
    7
    1
    3
Date Rating
Des Moines, Washington
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

I visited with my 4 yr old daughter and was very impressed with the quality of the exhibits, even though most were a little too advanced for my daughter to understand. I especially liked the globe projection showing a time-lapse of earthquakes around the world over the past month. The planetarium show was excellent as well. Well worth the visit.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Manassas, Virginia
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013

So glad my husband preferred we visit Imiloa to other sites for our last morning on the Big Island. This is a wonderful place for "wrapping up" your trip to the Big Island. You can review your trip and learn a little more while you are there. If you are lucky you will wittness students performing assignment tasks while using... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 11 more reviews by Judith K for Hilo
Nashville, Tennessee
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

easy to see why this is so popular, no long hike required and yet so lovely. Can highly recommend! Definite must stop!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Lucy_Ott0 for Hilo
Koloa, Hawaii
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

This museum and astronomy center was such a pleasant surprise for Hawaii. The staff was great, the planetarium presentation was great. The museum is so well maintained and very accessible. Definitely worth the trip!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Kesslane for Hilo
Pacific ocean
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013

This is a great restaurant. I take people here that are visiting. The atmosphere is great with floor to ceiling windows looking out to garden like areas. There is a menu to order off of, but also a buffet line with a great salad bar with purple potato salad, and sometimes lomi lomi salmon and great salad fixins. The best... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Flyly for Hilo
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

There's things to dislike? The Imiloa is amazing! They had three d before three d was invented. The major attraction has to be the planetary shows though and their special Pink Floyd shows to Dark side of the Moon and Another Brick in the wall. Very comfortable seating. A definite must see and experience. Also has cafeteria and gift shop.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Ryan S for Hilo
Volcano, Hawaii
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

This is an extraordinary astronomy center. The programs are extremely well done. There are alot of hands on activies for the keki, but the adults love it just as much. the planaterium has 4 different shows, and we have not seen a bad one yet. The ones in 3D are just amazing. Teachers get a discount.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 15 more reviews by Sniffer0320 for Hilo
Leominster, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2013 via mobile

We stopped here on a whim. My daughter enjoyed the visit, which mixed astronomy of today with historical overviews of how people from this region related to the stars. Interesting mix of old and new. There are several movies/presentation that you can see (one is included in the price of admission). You can plan on spending one or two hours... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by pghtransplant for Hilo
Toronto, Canada
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

We visited here as part of Celebrity excursion HL38, Imiloa Astronomy Center and Essence of Hilo. Unfortunately for us, it was raining for our day in Hilo - which we were told is the norm here. For the "Essence of Hilo" we went through the downtown area on the way to Rainbow Falls. The Rainbow Falls was a picturesque spot.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Colorado Rockies
Top Contributor
104 reviews 104 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 66 cities Reviews in 66 cities
53 helpful votes 53 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2013

Very educational if you want Hawaiian history, language, local sky and local stories. We didn't have a lot of time to spend - some members of family not into science were a bit bored, others wanted more time. Saw two shows, one in 3-D and enjoyed esp. the brief "current" night sky reviews at the end. Well worth the stop... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by DineRight4 for Hilo

Travellers who viewed Imiloa Astronomy Center also viewed

Hilo, Island of Hawaii
Hilo, Island of Hawaii
 

Been to Imiloa Astronomy Center? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Imiloa Astronomy Center, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing