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 2026, happening Saturday, August 22, 2026, 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 community event celebrates the beauty of Japanese tradition alongside the wonder of modern science, featuring astronomical discoveries on Maunakea. Guests of all ages can enjoy cultural performances, opportunities to learn about the work of the Maunakea observatories, hands-on activities, food, and entertainment, including:
- Taiko Drumming Performances by Taishoji Taiko and Hilo High Taiko: 5:00 p.m. at Subaru Telescope Courtyard
- Bon Dance Lessons to get everyone moving to the beat by Hilo High Japan Club and Waiakea High Japan Club, in partnership with Tsukikage Odori Kai: 6:00 p.m. at Subaru Telescope Courtyard
- Tanabata Storytelling presented by Hilo High Japan Club: 5:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Subaru Telescope building
- “Write your wish” for Tanabata Star Festival, calligraphy and origami activities by St. Joseph School in the Subaru Telescope building
- Base facility tours at UH Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope, and Gemini North Telescope (see below for details)
- Fun science activities from local science groups and organizations along North A‘ohoku Place
- Evening Stargazing with staff telescopes guided by the Maunakea Observatories outside Gemini & Subaru buildings (weather permitting)
- Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Car Show featuring stunning Japanese domestic market-inspired vehicles along North A‘ohoku Place
- Wide Variety of Food Trucks to keep you well fed along North A‘ohoku Place
- Complimentary water bottle distribution provided by Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water along North A‘ohoku Place, in front of the Subaru Telescope building
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 a part of the festivities, the base facilities of the UH Institute for Astronomy, Subaru Telescope, and Gemini North Telescope will open for tours as guests can gain insight into the work of the Maunakea Observatories. 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.
Figure 2: The map of this event, as of August 18, 2025. Two additional food trucks are to be confirmed. (Credit: Maunakea Observatories)
Sponsored by the Maunakea Observatories, the Hawai‘i Science and Technology Museum, Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, Japanese Community Associate of Hawaii, and Yamada Furniture, and planned and organized by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee, the Tanabata Block Party 2026 aims to promote cultural exchange, strengthen community bonds, and inspire curiosity in both heritage and science.
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
Facility tour schedule:
UH Institute for Astronomy: 5-8:30 p.m. every half hour
Subaru Telescope: 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Gemini North Telescope: 4-8:30 p.m. every half hour at the lobby
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: Doug Simons, Director of the UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA), introduces the machine shop at an IfA facility tour. (Credit: UH Institute for Astronomy)
Figure 4: (left) The Subaru Telescope virtual tour. (right) An in-person tour of the Subaru Telescope Hilo Base Facility. (Credit: NAOJ)
Figure 5: (left) Gemini North Telescope Operator Leila Alamos discusses her nighttime operations with guests touring the Gemini North Control Room during the 2024 Tanabata Block Party. (right) Keiki create astronomy themed questions and ask questions to the Gemini North Telescope astronomers during the 2025 Tanabata Block Party. (Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. Pollard)
Figure 6:(left) Taiko performance by Hilo High Taiko. (right) Bon Dance Lessons by Hilo High Japan Club. (Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. Pollard)
Figure 7: (left) Subaru Telescope staff members guide stargazing activities outside of the Subaru Telescope Hilo Base Facility with a handmade telescope. (Credit: NAOJ) (right) Gemini staff members guide stargazing activities outside of the Gemini Hilo Base Facility. (Credit: Jen Miller)
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