Families, friends, and community members are invited to gather for an evening of Japanese culture, music, dance, science, and stargazing at the Tanabata Block Party 2025, happening Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on North A`ohoku Place in Hilo, above `Imiloa, at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo Science and Technology Park.
This free, family-friendly celebration blends the beauty of Japanese tradition with the wonder of modern science, including Maunakea astronomy discoveries . Guests can look forward to exciting cultural performances, hands-on activities, food and entertainment for all ages, including:
- Taiko Drumming Performances by Taishoji Taiko and Hilo High Taiko
- Bon Dance Lessons to get everyone moving to the beat by Hilo High Japan Club
- Tanabata Storytelling presented by the Hilo High Japan Club
- Base facility tours at UH Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope, and Gemini North Telescope
- Fun science activities from local science groups and organizations along North A`ohoku Place
- Evening Stargazing with powerful telescopes guided by the Maunakea Observatories
- JDM Car Show featuring stunning Japanese domestic market-inspired vehicles
- Wide Variety of Food Trucks to keep you well fed
The festival will bring to life the timeless Japanese Tanabata legend, while also celebrating Hawai`i’s own connections to the stars and space exploration. As the sun sets, telescopes will turn skyward to offer breathtaking views of the night sky, creating a perfect moment to share stories and science under the stars.
Sponsored by the Maunakea Observatories, the Hawai`i Science and Technology Museum, and Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water, and planned and organized by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee, the Tanabata Block Party 2025 aims to promote cultural exchange, strengthen community bonds, and inspire curiosity in both heritage and science.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: North A‘ohoku Place, Hilo – UH Hilo Science and Technology Park
Admission: Free, open to the public
Come for the culture, stay for the stars—don’t miss this unique celebration of tradition, technology, and togetherness in the heart of Hilo.
Figure 3: Bon Dance Lessons by Hilo High Japan Club in the Subaru Telescope Courtyard at the Tanabata Block Party 2024 (Credit: NAOJ)
Figure 4: (left) Doug Simons, Director of the UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA), introduces the machine shop at an IfA facility tour at the Tanabata Block Party 2024. (Credit: UHIfA) (right) Guests gather in the Gemini Lobby to learn about the International Gemini Observatory. (Credit: Leinani Lozi)
Figure 5: (left) Subaru Telescope staff members guide stargazing activities outside of the Subaru Telescope Hilo Base Facility with a handmade, powerful telescope. (Credit: NAOJ) (right) Gemini staff members guide stargazing activities outside of the Gemini Hilo Base Facility. (Credit: Jen Miller)
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