Dinosaurs have invaded the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.
Starting this week, the interactive traveling exhibit “Expedition Dinosaur: Rise of the Mammals” will transport visitors to the Cretaceous period more than 66 million years ago when some of the most iconic dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
“We recognize that dinosaurs are not part of the natural history of Hawaii — they are more of an invasive species, if you will,” joked Ka‘iu Kimura, executive director of ‘Imiloa. “Dinosaurs have been the number one requested experience by our students and families, so this is a long time coming.”
Thanks to the exhibit’s life-like animatronic dinosaurs, visitors will have the chance to meet creatures like the Tyrannosaurus rex, Ankyloasaurus and Edmontosurus.
The exhibit also will feature interactive activities and displays for keiki and their families, including an asteroid experience that will give visitors insight about the mass-extinction of the dinosaurs.
“We are so excited to be able to open this exhibit for kids and families that have been overly excited to see dinosaurs at ‘Imiloa,” Kimura said.
“In light of the global pandemic, we believe that this traveling exhibit will provide a fun and engaging experience that will bring joy and great educational opportunity to our community amidst the stress and fatigue that COVID-19 has induced,” she added.
To bring the exhibit to the Big Island, ‘Imiloa partnered with the Bishop Museum on Oahu, where the exhibit was on display for the past four months.
“Bringing traveling exhibits to Hawaii is a costly endeavor. It is very expensive to rent, ship them over here, and ship them back,” Kimua said. “That’s why we are so thankful for our partnership with Bishop Museum. Hopefully, we can continue this partnership and bring more fun exhibits to ‘Imiloa.”
During the special traveling exhibit, ‘Imiloa will be showing the planetarium program “Dinosaurs in Antarctica,” which explores the melting Antarctic ice that is home to many distinctive dinosaur fossils. The program is included with admission to the exhibit.
Following COVID safety protocols, ‘Imiloa will offer special general admission to the “Expedition Dinosaur: Rise of the Mammals” exhibit in three 2.5-hour time blocks limited to 60 people per time block per day.
‘Imiloa will be open from Tuesday through Sunday, with time blocks at 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The exhibit will be on display for the general public this Wednesday through Sunday, March 27.
Members of ‘Imiloa or the Bishop Museum will have an opportunity to gain early access to the exhibit in three time blocks on Tuesday.
‘Imiloa also is planning extra activities such as four “Night at the Museum” dates, a paleontology lab for keiki 5 to 10 years old, and a 16th birthday celebration, which is sponsored by KTA Super Stores, on Sunday, Feb. 20.
More information and tickets for the dinosaur exhibit as well as other events and activities can be found at imiloahawaii.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com