Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day returns to Hilo

Keiki and 'ohana engage in a hands-on robotics demonstration at the 2026 Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day

Hundreds of Hawaiʻi Island kids and their families gathered at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo on January 24 to celebrate the enduring legacy of Kona-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was tragically killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy 40 years ago.

Ellison Onizuka

“We're trying to continue his legacy. He inspired a lot of people and he wanted to encourage the youngsters to work hard, study hard, and never give up on their dreams,” said Ellison’s younger brother, Claude Onizuka, who worked tirelessly to bring the event back to Hawaiʻi Island after a five-year hiatus.

Organized by the Pacific International Space Center for Explorations Systems (PISCES) in partnership with UH Hilo, the Onizuka Memorial Committee, and the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, the day marked a triumphant return for a beloved community tradition that had been paused since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Astronaut Donald R. Pettit, PhD

“To have this event return to Hawaiʻi Island was essential. We want our local kids to know that people who grow up here can do really awesome, amazing things for the community and the whole world,” said Amber Imai-Hong, PISCES Engineer and Project Manager, who participated in the event as a student years ago.

The event featured a keynote address by NASA astronaut Donald R. Pettit, PhD, whose appearance was funded by American Savings Bank. Pettit, who has spent 590 days in space and is a backup crew member for the Artemis II mission, hosted an “Ask-Me-Anything” session with students before flying out immediately after the event to enter mission quarantine.

“Flying in space, it’s a really neat goal, it’s difficult, it’s risky, but it’s all worth doing,” said Pettit. “I hope every one of these students will come and arm wrestle me from my job.”