From the ashes of an old incinerator, a dream emerged. The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center stands as a testament to imagination and resilience. The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center isn’t just a building; it’s a vibrant hub where learning comes alive. Founded in 1989, the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center initially resided in a smaller space at the Dole Cannery. It quickly outgrew its humble beginnings. The center relocated in 1998 to its current location, a renovated and expanded space that once housed the old Kewalo incinerator.
The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center now boasts an impressive 38,000 square feet, filled with interactive exhibits designed to ignite a child’s curiosity. The center welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually, a testament to its popularity. Admission is $12 for general admission, $10 for Kama’aina and military personnel, and $7 for seniors. Children under one enter free. Inside, you’ll find a diverse range of exhibits, each offering unique learning opportunities.
Rainforest Adventures immerses children in the wonders of Hawaii’s rainforests and their global importance. Your Town allows kids to role-play different professions, from firefighters to bankers, understanding how a community works. Fantastic You invites children to explore the human body and how its parts function together. Hawaiian Rainbows delves into Hawaii’s rich history, from plantation days to modern times. Your Rainbow World celebrates global cultures and traditions, teaching children about the world beyond Hawaii’s shores. The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center isn’t just about static displays. It’s about active, hands-on learning. Children can pick virtual pineapples, run a pretend general store, or even pilot a virtual Hawaiian Airlines plane.
The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center also hosts various programs, including Toddler Time for language and sensory development and Preschool Playtime for a first-time classroom experience. The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center relies on the generosity of members, sponsors, and donors to continue its mission. Volunteers, known as PALs (People Assisting Learning), play a vital role in facilitating exploration and discovery within the exhibits. The center’s mission is simple yet profound: to inspire children to “dream big dreams” and to know that those dreams can come true. The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center embodies this mission. It stands as a symbol of transformation and possibility. From its unlikely origins in an old incinerator, it has become a place where children’s imaginations take flight and their potential is nurtured. The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center is more than just a museum; it’s an investment in the future.