Special Events

🚀 MEET NASA ASTRONAUT

Col. E. Michael Fincke

Colonel E. Michael Fincke was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1996. A Pennsylvania native, he is a veteran of four spaceflights. He first flew during Expedition 9 (2004), followed by Expedition 18 (2009), and STS-134 (2011).

Most recently, he returned to space on August 1, 2025, as the pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission, concluding with a safe splashdown on January 15, 2026 after more than five months aboard the International Space Station.

Over his career, Col. Fincke has logged 549 days in space and completed 9 spacewalks totaling over 48 hours. He has received three NASA Distinguished Service Medals.

He is also an Eagle Scout, demonstrating leadership, discipline, and service.

📍 10:00 AM – ACM Building

Limited seating (first-come, first-served)
Line forms outside the building
No food or drinks allowed
Live viewing available outside

💻 CYBER LEARNING PAVILION

An interactive space to explore artificial intelligence, digital skills, and future career opportunities. Sessions are beginner-friendly and designed for all ages.

📍 Great Lawn

💪 BIG TIRE BOOTCAMP

Hawaiʻi’s only adaptive fitness program featuring 10 functional stations including ropes, tire flips, and sandbags. Designed for all fitness levels.

📍 Great Lawn

🐋 NOAA INFLATABLE WHALE

Walk through a 45-foot humpback whale and learn about marine biology through hands-on exhibits and activities.

🌌 BISHOP MUSEUM PLANETARIUM

Explore stars and planets inside a mobile dome theater. Shows every 20 minutes. Free tickets required.

📍 UHWO Library | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🎯 GATEBALL DEMONSTRATION

A fun, fast-paced team game incorporating STEM principles like force and motion.

📍 Great Lawn

🤖 VEX IQ ROBOTICS SCRIMMAGE

A student robotics competition focused on teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.

9:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Qualification Matches
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM: Finals
2:30 PM: Awards

📍 C Building, Room C-208

✈️ CIVIL AIR PATROL FLIGHT SIMULATORS

Try real flight simulators used in pilot training. Great for ages 12+.

📍 Room C-225

🎲 GAMES AREA

Enjoy chess, checkers, cards, and more hosted by AMVETS.

📍 Central Courtyard

⭐ MANDO MERCS COSTUME CLUB

Meet Star Wars characters and take photos throughout the day.

♟ BIG KAHUNA CHESS TOURNAMENT

80-player tournament with 5 rounds of single elimination. All participants receive ribbons; finalists receive trophies.

📍 2nd Floor Lanai – C Building

Session A: 9:00 AM (Ages 8–17)
Session B: 9:30 AM
Session C: 10:00 AM
Session D: 10:30 AM
Session E: 11:00 AM (Ages 7–10)