Featured
Astronaut Talk
Hear directly from a NASA astronaut in the Academy for Creative Media Auditorium.
📍 ACM Auditorium
Scouting America Aloha Council presents
Onizuka Day of Exploration
A FREE public STEM celebration at UH West Oʻahu — 100+ interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities honoring astronaut Ellison Onizuka.
Next event date — coming soon
Plan your visit
Mark your calendar
Date & time
Next date announced soon
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM (HST)
Location
UH West Oʻahu
91-1001 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
Open in Google Maps
Admission
FREE and open to the public — no tickets needed. Free on-site parking, ADA accessible.
100+
Hands-on exhibits & activities
115
Years of Scouting tradition
$0
Admission — always free
Explore the day
Activities & special events
Robotics, space, aviation, games, culture — something for every explorer, kindergarten through 12th grade.
VEX IQ Robotics Scrimmage
A student robotics competition focused on teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
📍 C Building, Room C-208
NOAA Inflatable Whale
Walk through a 45-foot humpback whale and learn marine biology hands-on.
📍 Library, B Building
Bishop Museum Planetarium
Explore stars and planets inside a mobile dome theater — shows every 20 minutes.
📍 Library, B Building
Civil Air Patrol Flight Simulators
Try real flight simulators used in pilot training. Great for ages 12+.
📍 Room C-225
Big Kahuna Chess Tournament
An 80-player tournament with five rounds — ribbons for all, trophies for finalists.
📍 2nd Floor Lanai, C Building
Pinewood Derby
Championship racing in the Hawaii Tokai International College Gymnasium.
📍 HTIC Gymnasium
Cyber Learning Pavilion
Explore AI, digital skills, and future careers — beginner-friendly sessions for all ages.
📍 Library, B Building
Since 1911
From Makahiki to mission
The longest continuously running Scouting event in the United States — reimagined to honor a Hawaiian hero who reached for the stars.
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1911
The Scout Makahiki begins
Hawaii's Scouts gather for what becomes the longest continuously running Scouting event in the nation.
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1946
Ellison Onizuka is born
Born in Kealakekua, Kona — he becomes an Eagle Scout and dreams of space.
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1985
First Hawaiian in space
Onizuka flies aboard Discovery (STS-51-C), the first Asian American and first Hawaii-born astronaut in space.
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1986
The Challenger crew
Onizuka and six crewmates are lost aboard Challenger. His legacy challenges every explorer: reach for the stars.
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Today
Onizuka Day of Exploration
The Makahiki tradition lives on as Hawaii's largest family STEM event at UH West Oʻahu, honoring his legacy.
Experience the day
Get involved
Volunteer as a team member
Join the crew that makes it happen
Register a booth
Exhibitors, troops & organizations
Special events
Astronaut talk, robotics, planetarium & more
Pinewood Derby
Championship racing
Shop event merchandise
Every purchase supports STEM in Hawaii
Questions? Contact us
info@onizukaday.com
Support the mission
Event merchandise
Your purchase directly supports STEM programs at the Onizuka Day of Exploration and Scouting in Hawaii.
2025 Onizuka Day of Exploration T-Shirt
From $25.00
