The mission of the Hawaii Nature Center is to foster awareness, appreciation and understanding of Hawaiis environment and to encourage wise stewardship of the Hawaiian Islands by educating children with an interactive and immersive approach.

Established in 1981, the Hawaii Nature Center has been a leader in environmental education in Hawaii for more than thirty years. We deliver award-winning programs to more than 15,000 elementary and middle school children from both public and private institutions each year, helping to encourage environmental stewardship through hands-on investigative field study and experiences. Our programs are primarily conducted outdoors in the field, exposing children to a range of ecosystems in watershed, coastal, marsh and forest environments. More than 850,000 children and adults have participated in our programs since our inception.

Located on the islands of Oahu and Maui, the Hawaii Nature Center features programs at various field sites throughout the islands. These include the Makiki Valley Watershed, Puu Ualakaa State Park, Honouliuli National Wildlife Refuge, and Pouhala Marsh on Oahu and also Iao Valley and Kealia Pond on Maui.

Children, families, adults and visitors are welcome to exercise their interest in nature by participating in our weekend calendar activities, nature excursions, week-long school intersession programs and our community-based environmental restoration projects.

Our goal at the Hawaii Nature Center is to connect kids with nature with the hope to inspire within them, as well as their parents, families and teachers, a deeper appreciation for the environment. By fostering a respect for nature, we are confident that children will grow into environmental stewards and impress upon future generations the importance of protecting our planet.

2131 Makiki Heights Dr.
Honolulu, HI 96822