Hawaiʻi's only children's museum, in Kakaʻako: five galleries of hands-on play, from Rainforest Adventures to a pretend town and a Hawaiian Airlines airplane. Open Tuesday to Sunday, mornings on weekdays; most families stay 2 to 3 hours.
Know before you go. The Hawaiʻi Children's Discovery Center doesn't list sensory hours, a quiet room or sensory kits. Here's what it does say about busy times, its rules and how a visit works.
Hours
Tuesday to Friday 9 am to 1 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm; closed Mondays. Rainforest Adventures closes half an hour before the center. Closed on Easter, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and any holiday that falls on a Monday. New Year's Eve, Thursday Dec 31 2026: open 9 am to 12 pm.
“To help keep the Center clean, food and drinks are not allowed in the Center’s exhibit galleries or lobby areas.”
“All children must be accompanied by an adult in the ratio of 1 adult for every 4 children.”
“If you require special accommodations please inquire at our front desk.”
Little Explorers, inside Rainforest Adventures, is for birth to age 3 and has "sensory play"; the Tot Spot in Fantastic You! is "a cozy play area" for children 5 and under. Neither is described as a quiet or break space.
The center's address is listed as both 111 Ohe St. and 1111 Ohe St. Call 808.524.5437 if your map app can't find it.
Tuesday to Friday 9 am to 1 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm, closed Mondays. Rainforest Adventures closes 30 minutes before the center.
General admission is $15; kamaʻāina and military with ID $12; seniors 62 and up with ID $8; children under 1 and members free. You can apply that day's admission toward a membership at the reception desk before you leave.
Strollers wait in the lobby, and food and drinks stay out of the galleries and the lobby: bring snacks to eat outside on the lanai or in the park. Kids Cafe seats are for people who buy something there.
House rules: children and adults stay together at all times, and every child must be with an adult, at least 1 adult for every 4 children. Children are asked to walk, use indoor voices and share; touching is encouraged "with gentle hands", and things go back when you're done. Food, gum and drinks are for outside. Cell phones are for photos or emergencies in the galleries. Diapers are changed in the restrooms' designated areas. If you don't have a baby carrier, the front desk can loan you one.
Illness: anyone with cold or flu symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive coughing or runny nose can't come in until they've been symptom free for 24 hours, and the center may ask a sick visitor to leave.
Peace Through Play: Peace in Me, Sunday, Nov 15 2026, 10 am to 1 pm: activities about recognizing feelings and calming skills, free with paid admission.
Santa's Secret Workshop, Saturday, Dec 12 2026, 9:30 am to 1 pm: five holiday craft stations and a treat to decorate. Tickets are $17 for each child and each adult ($13 for members) and are non-refundable; non-member tickets include the museum from 10 am to 3 pm, before and after the workshop.
Founder's Day, Saturday, Dec 19 2026, 10 am to 3 pm: the first 280 guests are free. The Keiki Makers Market is the same day, 10 am to 12:30 pm.
New Year's at Noon, Thursday, Dec 31 2026: a balloon drop from 11:30 am to 12 pm; the center is open 9 am to 12 pm that day.
