Learners of all ages are invited to explore the special traveling exhibit “Kaulana Mahina: Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around!” at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center until June 9.
The exhibit utilizes games and hands-on exhibits to engage visitors to connect with Hawaiian practices, learn about STEM and explore the mahina, or moon.
The Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, or INPEACE, created the interactive science and cultural exhibit in collaboration with Dr. Kalei Nu‘uhiwa and other kaulana mahina practitioners.
The exhibit showcases the mahina, its relationship to environmental practices such as fishing and planting, and scientific observation through Hawaiian culture.
The exhibit opened on March 12 just in time for the Hawaii Department of Education spring break and ahead of the Merrie Monarch Festival.
“We’re thrilled to be the first location on Hawaii Island to offer this exciting and newly developed exhibit,” said Ka‘iu Kimura, executive director of ‘Imiloa. “The timing of this exhibit at ‘Imiloa is perfect for our island ‘ohana and visitors to explore the science and cultural perspectives of our kaulana mahina, our Hawaiian moon phases.”
Some features of Kaulana Mahina include a darkened enclosure with changing moon phases, a 3D model of the moon in orbit around the Earth and both in orbit around the sun, and a game that teaches the 30 moon phases through a fisherman or farmer.
INPEACE is a community-based organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Native Hawaiians through community partnerships that provide educational opportunities and promote self-sufficiency.
“Through this exhibit, we hope to encourage the integration of traditional cultural practices into our lives and to inspire the next generation,” said Alaka‘i Aglipay, project manager of INPEACE’s Kaulele Program. “We appreciate ‘Imiloa’s shared passion for learning and providing INPEACE the platform to inspire the communities on Hawaii Island to explore the intersection of Hawaiian expertise and science.”
The Kaulele program creates informal STEM learning opportunities through an indigenous Hawaiian lens that connects Western and Hawaiian science practices. For more information visit inpeace.org.
“Kaulana Mahina: Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around!” is included in ‘Imiloa’s admission fee. Visitors can learn more and view ticket prices at imiloahawaii.org.
‘Imiloa is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com