The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo is hosting a family night Wednesday celebrating Halloween and the nocturnal creatures of Hawaii.
“Night at the Museum” is returning to ‘Imiloa for the first time since 2019 and will feature activities for the whole family, including spooky hand-painting, crafts and activities involving creatures of the night.
“Our events have been so well-received, and it’s so nice to be able to engage with the community again,” said education manager Anya Tagawa. “Our theme for this Halloween is about nocturnal species here in Hawaii, and all our activities are thematic to that.”
There will also be a pumpkin decorating contest, a glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt, and a Toddler Halloween Town with activities designed for toddlers.
All activities at ‘Imiloa are meant to mix educational lessons with something fun and entertaining.
“The scavenger hunt will emulate a lava tube filled with black lights and colorful decorations,” Tagawa said. “They will have to find the five insects native to Hawaii’s lava tubes.”
The pumpkin contest will allow ages 10 and under, 11 to 17, and 18 and older to compete with each other. The pumpkins must be carved or painted and completely finished before submitting them. Designs must be appropriate for all ages.
Entries can be submitted at the guest service desk from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday or 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday. Voting will take place during the “Night at the Museum,” and winners will be contacted through email and announced on ‘Imiloa’s social media pages.
‘Imiloa also will be showing a special planetarium program, “The Search for the Nocturnal Extreme.”
More information and tickets can be found at imiloahawaii.org/events/2022/10/26/night-at-the-museum.