We were thrilled to welcome the community back to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo for the 21st annual Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day on January 24. After a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the beloved event returned with renewed energy—celebrating the life and legacy of Hawaiʻi’s first astronaut through hands-on science, exploration, and discovery.
Roughly 650 students, parents, educators, and volunteers gathered for the free community event, which offered nearly a dozen interactive workshops designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Keiki explored a wide range of activities, from traditional Polynesian canoe lashing and digital art to building model volcanoes and learning about stars and space science.
Our local STEM organizations and community partners showcased environmental initiatives, liquid nitrogen demonstrations, astronomy displays, robotics, and first responder equipment in the exhibition hall. A highlight of the day was the state-qualifying VEX IQ Robotics Tournament, hosted by Waiākea Intermediate School, where about 100 students competed.
The opening assembly featured a keynote address by NASA astronaut Donald R. Pettit, a veteran of multiple spaceflights who has spent nearly 600 days living and working in space and is part of the team preparing for the Artemis II mission. Pettit delivered an engaging talk that emphasized curiosity and playful experimentation while encouraging students to explore science through DIY experiments.
The event also served as a moment of reflection, marking the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy on January 28, 1986, when Ellison Onizuka and six fellow crew members lost their lives. Their legacy continues to inspire generations to pursue knowledge, courage, and perseverance.
“We’re trying to continue his legacy,” said Claude Onizuka, Ellison Onizuka’s younger brother, in a UH News release. “He inspired a lot of people, and he wanted to encourage the youngsters to work hard, study hard, and never give up on their dreams.”
Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day continues to remind us of the impact that one individual can have, and of the importance of nurturing curiosity and opportunity for Hawaiʻi’s future explorers.
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- Storm troopers
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- Science demo
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- Exhibit hall
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- Robotics event
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- First responder
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- Wind power
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- Astronaut speech
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- Astronomy booth
MAHALO NUI TO OUR PARTNERS!
Onizuka Science Day would not be possible without the hard work and support of our partners, sponsors, staff, and volunteers.
We’re super grateful to our partners: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, and Canada-France-Hawai’i Telescope—your collaboration, coordination, and steady support made all the difference!
A heartfelt thanks to all our outstanding booth exhibitors who brought Onizuka Day to life with hands-on activities and local pathways into STEM careers:
- Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum
- Hawaiʻi Geographic Information Coordinating Council
- Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island
- Hawaiian Electric
- Hawaiʻi Ant Lab
- UH Hilo Geology Club, USGS Hawaiʻi Volcano Observatory
- Hawaiʻi Police Department
- Hawaiʻi Fire Department
- STARBASE Hawaiʻi
- Hawaiʻi Space Grant Consortium
- Thelma Parker Library
- Onizuka Space Science Program / NASA Solar System Ambassadors
- Center for Maunakea Stewardship (VIS)
- W. M. Keck Observatory
- UH Institute for Astronomy
- Subaru Telescope / NAOJ
- Canada-France-Hawai’i Telescope
We’re deeply thankful to our wonderful workshop presenters whose interactive sessions inspired students to think big, ask questions, and dive into the fascinating STEM world. Mahalo nui to:
- Hawaiʻi Science & Technology Museum
- UH Hilo CNHS Geology Dept.
- UH Hilo CNHS Data Science
- UH Hilo CNHS Marine Option Program
- Hawaiʻi Space Science and Engineering Initiative
- Subaru Telescope / NAOJ
- International Gemini Observatory / NOIRLab
- UH Institute for Astronomy
- Civil Air Patrol
- Big Island Amateur Radio Club
Special appreciation goes to our event sponsors: American Savings Bank (covering travel for our visiting astronaut), KTA Super Stores (providing lunches for our keiki & volunteers), and Waiakea Water (volunteer & keiki drinks).
To every partner, sponsor, exhibitor, and volunteer: mahalo for investing in our keiki, our community, and the future of STEM in Hawaiʻi. We couldn’t do this without you—and we can’t wait to do it again next year!