Astronomy center holds family fun day
Imiloa Astronomy Center’s eighth anniversary will be celebrated during Imiloa’s annual Family Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The day’s offerings include complimentary access to Imiloa’s exhibit hall, free 20-minute planetarium programs, garden tours and Journey through the Universe presentations beginning at 10 a.m. that will feature astronomy talks every hour. KTA Super Stores will have food for purchase and free birthday cake will be served to the first 1,000 visitors.
Hilo’s “Journey through the Universe,” a week of cosmic exploration, space and science education will run through March 14. Visit gemini.edu/journey for more information.
West Hawaii blood drives scheduled
Blood donors are needed every day to meet the needs of Hawaii’s patients. The following blood drives are scheduled in West Hawaii: from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday at Solid Rock Ministries; 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Waimea Ward, cultural hall; and 11:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Wednesday in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kona Stake,cultural hall.
Drives are subject to change. Call 800-372-9966 or visit bbh.org to schedule an appointment or check on drive information.
Blood donors must be in good health, 18 years of age or older, or 17 with a Blood Bank of Hawaii consent form, and weigh 110 pounds or more. Bring a valid photo ID with date of birth.
Poke contest deadline is Monday
Sam Choy’s Keauhou Poke Contest is part of Keauhou Resort’s annual Kamehameha III celebration from March 14 to 17 that commemorates the Keauhou-born king, Lani Kauikeaouli.
Those wishing to compete in the third Sam Choy’s Keauhou Poke Contest March 16 must submit forms by Monday. The poke contest is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the convention center at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay with public tasting at 12:30 p.m. Admission to all contest activities and five poke tastings is $5. Or, get unlimited tastings and an event bag for $10. Keiki younger than 12 are admitted free. Proceeds benefit the Equip the Kitchens Campaign for the future Hawaii Community College-Palamanui campus. Last year’s contest donated $5,000 to the effort.
More information and entry forms are available at samchoyskeauhoupokecontest.org.
Other festivities include:
• Free Puana Ke Iki Lecture by Lily Dudoit titled, “Keauhou — Where the Current Continues to Renew Itself,” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 14 at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay.
• Lani Kauikeaouli Canoe Race at 7 a.m. March 15 at Keauhou Bay.
• Free 14th annual Kamehameha III “Lani Kauikeaouli” concert, from 4:30 to 10 p.m. March 15 on the lawn at Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay.
• Free Daughters of Hawaii tribute at 10 a.m. March 17 at Keauhou Bay with Royal Order of Kamehameha and 200 Kamehameha Schools Ipukukui students.
A free trolley will operate from 4 to 10:30 p.m. March 15 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 16 with a pickup near Longs Drugs.