“More green time and less screen time” is the motto here at the Hawaii Nature Center. Since 1981, the Hawaii Nature Center has connected over a million students with nature. Are you ready to experience the wonders of Hawaii’s environment?
The Hawaii Nature Center seeks to foster awareness. It promotes appreciation and understanding of Hawaii’s environment. It also encourages stewardship through interactive education.
The Hawaii Nature Center started in 1972. The Outdoor Circle’s Parks Committee proposed an education center in Makiki Valley. Margaret Smith Young played a vital role in its early years. By 1981, the Makiki Environmental Education Center opened. Five years later it became the independent Hawaii Nature Center. In 1991, the organization expanded to Maui. It established a center in ‘Īao Valley.
More than 100 O‘ahu schools partner with the Hawaii Nature Center. Over 20 Maui schools also participate. The programs meet State of Hawaii Department of Education Standards. The curriculum makes learning fun.
The Hawaii Nature Center is unique. It is not a chapter of a larger organization. It relies on support from friends. The center provides hands-on experiences for children, families, and the public. It is the only organization in Hawaii dedicated to educating island children about their unique environment outdoors.
Each year, 25000 pre-6th grade children attend field trips. In ‘Īao Valley on Maui 50000 visitors go to the Interactive Nature Museum. Additionally, 1500 members attend enrichment programs.
The Hawaii Nature Center’s main office is on Oahu in Makiki Valley. Other teaching locations include Pu’u Ualaka’a State Park. Honouliuli National Wildlife Refuge is also included. So is Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area. The Hawaii Nature Center on Oahu has grown significantly. It provided programs for 2000 school children in 1981. Since the mid-1990s, it reaches nearly 25000.
Each program focuses on different concepts. Studies involve unique ecosystems at each grade level. This spans from preschool to upper elementary on Oahu and Maui. In 1992, a facility opened on Maui in ‘Īao Valley. It offers outdoor environmental education programs for elementary school children. The Hawaii Nature Center also provides educational nature programs for families and adults. These include week-long intercession programs. Family birthday parties are offered. Guided interpretive hikes are available. Weekend family programs take place. Volunteer service projects are organized.
AHL designed the Hawaii Nature Center Rain Pavilion. This was through its 1% Solution program. The program provides pro bono services to non-profit organizations. The structure promotes a brighter future. It supports environmental education for children and the community. The design integrates a traditional Hawaiian “A-frame” structure. It features a raised roof for natural daylight and ventilation. Translucent roof panels offer a visual connection to the surrounding forest. Leaf-shaped plaques honor donors.
The Hawaii Nature Center is more than just a place. It’s a commitment to our keiki. It’s a promise to protect our ‘āina. As you leave today consider how you too can foster awareness of nature.