A special moon-themed exhibit opened at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center engaging learners of all ages to embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of the mahina (Moon), connect with Hawaiian practices, and explore science, technology, engineering, and math or STEM. Kaulana Mahina: Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around! will welcome visitors through June 9 at ʻImiloa’s Exhibit Hall located on the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus.
Exhibit 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 Moon’s orbit around the Earth and Sun.
- Marvel at NASA’s visualization of the changing Moon phases.
- Experiment with magnets to understand the gravitational pull between the Earth, Moon and Sun, influencing tides.
- Step into the shoes of a fisherman or farmer in an interactive game navigating through the moon phases.
- Participate in a discussion to share personal experiences on how kaulana mahina affects your life.
“We’re thrilled to be the first location on Hawaiʻi Island to offer this exciting and newly developed exhibit,” said Kaʻiu Kimura, executive director of 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.”
Created by the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE), Kaulana Mahina: Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around!, is an interactive science and cultural exhibit that is designed in collaboration with UH Mānoa Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge lecturer Kalei Nuʻuhiwa and other kaulana mahina practitioners. The traveling exhibit showcases the mahina, its relationship to environmental practices such as fishing and planting, and scientific
observation through Hawaiian culture.
“Through this exhibit, we hope to encourage the integration of traditional cultural practices into our lives and to inspire the next generation,” said Alakaʻi Aglipay, project manager of INPEACE’s Kaulele Program. “We appreciate ʻImiloa‘s shared passion for learning and providing INPEACE the platform to inspire the communities on Hawaiʻi Island to explore the intersection of Hawaiian expertise and science.”
Admission information
Admission to the Kaulana Mahina: Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around! exhibit is included in ʻImiloa‘s admission fee, with complimentary access granted to ʻImiloa members.
For ticket information go to ʻImiloa Astronomy Center’s website.
