“The Science of Kapa,” interactive science and cultural exhibit at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center through June 4
“The Science of Kapa” is a fully interactive science and cultural exhibit that focuses on the different steps in the kapa-making process.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is hosting a special traveling kapa exhibit, “The Science of Kapa,” an interactive display engaging learners of all ages to explore the scientific components of one of Hawaiʻi’s cultural practices and traditions.
The exhibit was installed in March and is open through June 4, 2023, in ‘Imiloa’s main exhibit hall.
“We’re thrilled to be the first location on Hawaiʻi Island to offer this exciting and newly developed exhibit,” says Kaʻiu Kimura, executive director of ʻImiloa. “[This exhibit] at ‘Imiloa is perfect for our island ʻohana and visitors to explore the different sciences of one of our traditional practices continued even to today.”
Created by the non-profit Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, known as INPEACE, “The Science of Kapa” is a fully interactive science and cultural exhibit that focuses on the different steps in the kapa-making process.
The interactive features of the exhibit include a puzzle, fermentation station, microscope, kuku kapa using kapa tools, ʻohe kapala printing, and magnet patterns.
INPEACE’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Native Hawaiians through community partnerships that provide educational opportunities and promote self-sufficiency.
Tickets
Visit the ʻImiloa website for information about tickets. “The Science of Kapa” traveling exhibit is included in ʻImiloa’s admission fee. ʻImiloa members can take advantage of free general admission access to this traveling exhibit.
About ʻImiloa
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is an outreach educational center on the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Its mission is to share the legacy of Hawaiʻi exploration in many fields through a wide range of exhibits, community outreach, programs, and other forms of informal science education. The center is distinctive in it’s architectural structures of conical-shaped buildings that house a welcoming lobby, exhibit hall, full-dome planetarium, café, and gift shop. The center is surrounded by nine acres of native gardens.
ʻImiloa is located at UH Hilo’s University Park of Science and Technology, 600 ʻImiloa Place, off Komohana and Nowelo streets.
