Moon-themed Kaulana Mahina exhibition at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, through June 9
The traveling exhibition showcases Mahina (the Moon), its relationship to environmental practices such as fishing and planting, and scientific observation through Hawaiian culture.


A special moon-themed exhibition, “Kaulana Mahina: Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around!,” is now showing at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center on the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
Open to the public March 12 through June 9, the exhibition showcases Mahina (the Moon), its relationship to environmental practices such as fishing and planting, and scientific observation through Hawaiian culture.

The traveling exhibition is created by the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) in collaboration with Kalei Nuʻuhiwa, a lecturer at UH Mānoa’s Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, and other kaulana mahina practitioners.
“We’re thrilled to be the first location on Hawaiʻi Island to offer this exciting and newly developed exhibit,” says Kaʻiu Kimura, executive director at ʻImiloa. “With spring break right around the corner, and the internationally acclaimed Merrie Monarch Festival happening in Hilo next month, the timing of this exhibit at ʻImiloa is perfect for our island ʻohana and visitors to explore the science and cultural perspectives of our kaulana mahina, our Hawaiian moon phases.”

Exhibition features
- Learn the sequence and names of each of the 30 Hawaiian moon phases.
- Discover the tale of Lonomuku and her role in the Hawaiian moon calendar.
- Operate a 3D model illustrating the Moonʻs orbit around Earth and the Sun.
- Marvel at NASA’s visualization of the changing phases of the Moon.
- Experiment with magnets to understand the gravitational pull between Earth, the Moon, and the Sun, influencing tides.
- Step into the shoes of a fisherman or farmer in an interactive game navigating through phases of the Moon.
- Participate in a discussion to share personal experiences on how kaulana mahina affects life on Earth.
Tickets
Admission to “Kaulana Mahina: Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around!” exhibition is included in ʻImiloaʻs admission fee, with complimentary access granted to ʻImiloa members.
For ticket information go to ʻImiloa Astronomy Center’s website.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center’s 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.
