ʻIkuwā Journey Through the Universe brings the solar system to Hilo

More than 1,400 Hilo-Waiākea students explored the wonder of astronomy during ʻIkuwā Journey Through the Universe (Journey) Week, Oct. 19-22, 2026.

Now in its 23rd year, the annual program, led by the International Gemini Observatory / NSF NOIRLab (Gemini) and the Department of Education Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area, brought 19 educators from Maunakea Observatories and other scientific institutions into local classrooms. Through engaging, hands-on activities, students in grades 2–12 explored the mysteries of the cosmos, including those in our own solar backyard.

With “The Sun, Moon and Solar System” among the most requested topics by teachers, volunteer educators introduced students to astronomy through stellar lessons. Second graders danced their way through the planets with Callie Matulonis, Research Associate at NASA IRTF, while other students learned about Jupiter’s volcanic moon, Io, with Leinani Lozi, Hawaiʻi Education and Engagement Manager at Gemini. Students also investigated the properties of different wavelengths of light with Sebastien Vievard, Assistant Specialist Faculty at the Space Science and Engineering Initiative. 

“Journey Through the Universe gets students excited about science in a really fun way,” says Mariesa Venzon, District Educational Specialist at the Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area. “Even after 23 years, we find new opportunities to grow and adapt the program to meet the needs of our schools.”

Beyond classroom visits, Journey continues to expand opportunities for students and families to experience astronomy firsthand through programs like Maunakea Moongazing, co-led by Maunakea Observatories and the Center for Maunakea Stewardship. On Oct. 17, more than 70 Hilo-Waiākea students, teachers, staff and ʻohana gathered at Hale Pōhaku, Maunakea’s mid-level facilities, for an evening of stargazing, telescope viewing, moʻohōkū (Hawaiian star stories) and hot cocoa beneath the light of the ʻolekūlua Moon.

“My daughters who are 6 and 2 experienced their first look through a telescope. None of us had ever seen Saturn’s rings. It was a really special experience,” shared Jasper Oshun, a parent from Haʻaheo Elementary.

Journey is also expanding opportunities for high school students to explore astronomy careers through field trips to the Gemini North Telescope on Maunakea. Following two field trips during the previous school year, the program plans to offer five field trips during the 2026–27 school year, giving more students an opportunity to learn firsthand about the scientific work taking place on Hawaiʻi Island.

“Our high school students are at a critical time in their lives, getting ready to embark upon their own journeys through adulthood,” says Lozi, co-lead to the Journey program. “It’s important that they get to see first-hand the incredible work they can be a part of right here on our island home.”  

Journey will continue its programming throughout the school year, including another week of classroom visits and career panels planned for Kāʻelo in 2027.