Jhamandas Watumull Planetarium

The Jhamandas Watumull Planetarium is a domed theater housed within Bishop Museum that displays astronomical shows using advanced projection systems. The facility presents programs about the night sky and simulated voyages across ocean routes with detailed star mapping.

This facility opened in December 1961 under the name Kilolani Planetarium and served as a training center for Hawaiian navigators learning traditional ocean navigation methods. The venue has remained a permanent fixture at Bishop Museum since its establishment.

The planetarium served as a training center for Hawaiian navigators, including Nainoa Thompson, who studied traditional navigation techniques without instruments during the 1970s.

The theater has limited seating with only 64 visitors per show, so arriving early helps secure a place. Tickets are purchased at the museum admission desk upon arrival for access to shows throughout the day.

The theater combines astronomical presentations about Hawaii with simulated voyages across the Pacific Ocean using advanced projection technology and detailed star mapping.

Location: Honolulu County

Address: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00

Phone: +(808)8473511

Website: https://bishopmuseum.org/planetarium

GPS coordinates: 21.33287,-157.87056

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07