Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I buy or renew a Membership?
A: There are four easy ways to do this:
- Email us at membership@imiloahawaii.org
- Print this form and mail it to:
Membership
600 'Imiloa Place
Hilo, HI 96720 - Sign up at our front desk on your next visit
- Call the Membership department at 969-9719
Q: What Memberships are available?
A: We have varying levels of membership for your lifestyle and preference. Click here to see the different membership levels and benefits. All membership levels receive our standard benefits.
Q: How will I know when it is time to renew my membership?
A: Take a look at your membership card. We will also mail you a renewal reminder 60 days before your membership expires. If you don’t renew at that time, we will mail another reminder 30 days before membership expires, and another afterwards.
Q: I signed up to be a member, why haven’t you sent me my membership card in the mail yet?
A: Membership cards are personalized to each member the way a driver’s license is – with your photo. Please visit our front desk anytime during regular business hours so we can print one out for you!
Q: I’m a Family/Patron/Silver/Gold member and I don’t have children under the age of 18, may I bring my neighbor’s kids/grandchildren/nieces/nephews on my membership card?
A: Sure! As long as the keiki (children) are under the age of 18 and as long as there are no more than five of them coming in with you, they are all welcome.
Q: Do you offer a Senior Citizen Membership option or Senior admission discount?
A: Yes, we have a Kupuna Membership for 65 yrs and above. We offer a Senior discount of $2 off the daily admission ticket, for people 65 yrs and above.
Q: I’ve changed my e-mail/postal mail address, who should I call to get my membership record updated?
A: Call our Membership Office at 969-9719 or email us at membership@imiloahawaii.org
Q: I’m not receiving the e-newsletter or invitations to your special Member Appreciation parties or Member Previews to new shows, why not?
A: It could be because we don’t have your email address or because we have the wrong email address on file. Please call us at 969-9719 or email us at membership@imiloahawaii.org so that we can update our records.
Q: I don’t have an e-mail address- what do you do for people like me?
A: We have a list of friends who we send hardcopy invitations and newsletters to. Please let us know that you’d like to be added to this list by calling us at 969-9719.
Q: How long does a membership last?
A: Memberships last for one year.
Q: May I bring guests for free with my membership?
A. Dual members may bring one guest for free.
- Family level members may bring up to FIVE children under 18 on each visit.
- Patron level members may bring TWO guests and FIVE children on each visit.
- Silver level members may bring FOUR guests and FIVE children on each visit.
- Gold level members may bring SIX guests and FIVE children on each visit.
Q: Do you offer reciprocal benefits as part of your membership program with other science centers and museums?
A: Not at this time. However, we do participate in a program every September called “Celebrating Museums Month” where Hawaii Island museums offer reciprocal benefits.
Q: Can I upgrade my membership to a higher level?
A: Absolutely! If you'd like to upgrade your membership to a higher level, you may do so by paying the difference in price of the two memberships. To do this, please call 969-9719 or visit the front desk during regular business hours.
Q: If I join as a member, will my ticket price for the day be applied to the cost of the membership?
A: Yes, the cost of your admission on the same day may be applied towards a new membership. A membership representative at the front desk can do this for you.
Q: What will I receive in the mail as a member?
A: Within two weeks of registering, all membership levels will initially receive by mail information about Membership Benefits & Policies, Hours and Admissions, and tax deductibility. In addition, Premium members will receive their additional benefits and passes. All members will receive event invitations and our e-newsletter by e-mail.
Q: Is my membership tax deductible?
A: Yes, a portion of your membership is tax deductible. The amount of membership dues that is deductible for federal income tax purposes is the amount paid less the fair market value of benefits provided in return, whether used or not. Here are the tax deductible amounts:
| Kupuna | $45 ($45 is tax-deductible) |
|---|---|
| Individual Adult (1 adult) | $50 ($50 is tax-deductible) |
| Dual (1 adult + 1 guest) | $60 ($60 is tax-deductible) |
| Family (2 adults + up to 5 children under 18) | $85 ($85 is tax-deductible) |
| Patron (Family + 2 guests) | $125 ($101 is tax-deductible) |
| Silver Donor (Family + 4 guests) | $250 ($226 is tax-deductible) |
| Gold Donor (Family + 6 guests) | $500 ($428 is tax-deductible) |
Q: When is ‘Imiloa open? How much is admission for non-members?
A: We are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. We are closed on Mondays. Non-member admission is $17.50 non resident and $12 kama‘aina (Hawaii resident with proof of membership). Membership really is a great value! Consider the fact that an annual Family membership ($85) averages about $7 a month! Where else can you take a family of 7 (two adults + 5 kids) out for an educationally stimulating experience?
Q: Where are you located?
A: We’re in the UH Hilo Science and Technology Park. For directions, click here.
