Maunakea Observatories Bring Family Friendly Science Fun to Kona Commons, Learners of all Ages Will Enjoy AstroDay
November 03, 2025
KONA, HAWAI`I (October 23, 2025) – Learners of all ages are invited to Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua Kona on Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for an entertainment-filled day of astronomy and natural sciences. Sponsored by the Maunakea Observatories, this free, open-air event is an opportunity for the community to meet with scientists and educators and learn how Hawai`i contributes to new and amazing discoveries in astronomy.
The Maunakea Observatories and other science-based community organizations will offer fun and informative demonstrations and activities. Free giveaways will be available while supplies last and the UH Institute for Astronomy will have a solar telescope on site to safely view the surface of the sun. Four special grand prize drawings will include two beginner level telescopes and two NASA-themed skateboards. No purchase necessary but you do need to be present to win. Prize drawing times are noon and 2 p.m.
Participants in AstroDay include:
· Maunakea Observatories: UH Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope, WM Keck Observatory, TMT International, Gemini Observatory, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope
· Observatories on Maui: Las Cumbres Observatory, UH IfA Maui
· Other Institutions: Maunakea Visitor Information Station, UH Hilo Astrophysics Club, NASA Solar System Ambassadors, Onizuka Space Science Program, International Lunar Observatory Assoc., Thelma Parker Memorial and School Library, PISCES, Hawaiian Volcano Education & Resilience Institute (HVERI).
A special activity titled “Elephant Toothpaste” will be offered by HVERI. This exciting, foamy eruption uses safe ingredients to show how gas builds up under pressure, just like in a volcano. The result is a tall burst of bubbly, water-soluble foam that looks like giant toothpaste. Through watching this reaction keiki will learn how trapped gas can lead to the differences between Hawaiian-style shield volcanoes and explosive, strata-type volcanoes. This featured demonstration will happen a few times during the course of the event at the center stage area near Jean’s Warehouse.
###
About The Mauna Kea Astronomy Outreach Committee
AstroDay is a science and astronomy event sponsored by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee (MKAOC). MKAOC is a partnership of scientists, administrators, and educators in astronomy throughout the state of Hawaiʻi. The mission of MKAOC is to coordinate and organize the collective outreach efforts of the astronomy community and act as a forum for the astronomy community and related organizations to plan and coordinate outreach activities.
About Kona Commons
Kona Commons, owned by local partners MacNaughton and Kobayashi Group, offers something for everyone and is home to 27 national and locally owned shops, and restaurants. Voted West Hawaii’s Best Shopping Center for 11 years, the property regularly holds free, family-friendly community events including monthly artisan markets featuring locally made products. For additional information about Kona Commons visit www.konacommons.com.
Contact:
Katie Kaanapu
DEPTH marketing + pr
hello@depth.marketing
(808) 722-9778
The Maunakea Observatories and other science-based community organizations will offer fun and informative demonstrations and activities. Free giveaways will be available while supplies last and the UH Institute for Astronomy will have a solar telescope on site to safely view the surface of the sun. Four special grand prize drawings will include two beginner level telescopes and two NASA-themed skateboards. No purchase necessary but you do need to be present to win. Prize drawing times are noon and 2 p.m.
Participants in AstroDay include:
· Maunakea Observatories: UH Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope, WM Keck Observatory, TMT International, Gemini Observatory, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope
· Observatories on Maui: Las Cumbres Observatory, UH IfA Maui
· Other Institutions: Maunakea Visitor Information Station, UH Hilo Astrophysics Club, NASA Solar System Ambassadors, Onizuka Space Science Program, International Lunar Observatory Assoc., Thelma Parker Memorial and School Library, PISCES, Hawaiian Volcano Education & Resilience Institute (HVERI).
A special activity titled “Elephant Toothpaste” will be offered by HVERI. This exciting, foamy eruption uses safe ingredients to show how gas builds up under pressure, just like in a volcano. The result is a tall burst of bubbly, water-soluble foam that looks like giant toothpaste. Through watching this reaction keiki will learn how trapped gas can lead to the differences between Hawaiian-style shield volcanoes and explosive, strata-type volcanoes. This featured demonstration will happen a few times during the course of the event at the center stage area near Jean’s Warehouse.
###
About The Mauna Kea Astronomy Outreach Committee
AstroDay is a science and astronomy event sponsored by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee (MKAOC). MKAOC is a partnership of scientists, administrators, and educators in astronomy throughout the state of Hawaiʻi. The mission of MKAOC is to coordinate and organize the collective outreach efforts of the astronomy community and act as a forum for the astronomy community and related organizations to plan and coordinate outreach activities.
About Kona Commons
Kona Commons, owned by local partners MacNaughton and Kobayashi Group, offers something for everyone and is home to 27 national and locally owned shops, and restaurants. Voted West Hawaii’s Best Shopping Center for 11 years, the property regularly holds free, family-friendly community events including monthly artisan markets featuring locally made products. For additional information about Kona Commons visit www.konacommons.com.
Contact:
Katie Kaanapu
DEPTH marketing + pr
hello@depth.marketing
(808) 722-9778