Children's Discovery Center image

Children's Discovery Center

Tourist attraction Museum Childrens museum

Exploration center where kids play, dress up as different professions & learn about other cultures. People often mention kids, play, museum, hours, areas, time, great, children', floor, center,


Address

111 Ohe St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Website

www.discoverycenterhawaii.org

Contact

(808) 524-5437

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (579 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 1 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 1 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 1 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 1 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: kids (31) play (22) museum (15) hours (13) areas (13) time (12) great (12) children' (10) floor (10) center (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 E B. 1 year ago on Google
    My daughter super sick after we went since everything is hands on yet no one was cleaning or sanitizing anything. She had miss a week school 🏫🎒 since we went. They meet so be cleaning surface constantly at a place like that. Kid city does a much better job sanitizing. No parking at the center expected you to park at the park, which sucks if you or your kid is handicap.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ezequiel M. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow! This is a 3 story building that covers every inch with awesome activities for children of all ages! I was hesitant when I saw that adults also have to pay, but I am glad I did! Once you start walking you understand that the price is worth it! We when with out 3 years old, stayed there 5 hours and the only reason we left is because they were closing :). They offer food and drinks but the restaurant only accepts cash (really?) but we left to eat and come back, they were totally fine with that. I am recommending this place to everyone I meet, even my friends with kids that are visiting Hawaii for a week, because every child should have the opportunity to visit this incredible place. There are areas for small children, there is a rainforest to plain with water (amazing!) and they provide something to prevent your kid from getting wet. There is a firetruck, fire station, bus, airplane cabin and cockpit, boats and ships, mechanic station, grocery store, science station, tree house, theater (for your kids to create something), music instrument room and many many other activities. The staff is super friendly and are cleaning constantly. I cannot recommend this place enough!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Amy K. 1 year ago on Google
    I genuinely want to support the children's discovery center, but they need some major improvements. One would think that with such limited hours they would take time to clean their exhibits after they close, fix the chipped paint. Everything looks dirty. The Cafe is cash only and to reserve the space for a birthday party is cash or check only. Welcome to the year 2022, almost 2023 where people pay with their phones. Time to update your antiquated system. For Halloween, I saw a child get turned away because they didn't have a reservation for the Halloween bash. Who is running this facility? Charge $5 extra for anyone who doesn't have an online reservation and don't break kids hearts like that, they don't understand. And if it's a maximum capacity problem, then factor that into the amount of reservations and anticipate walk ins. With such limited places to take children to and after the museum made such a fuss about the homeless camps outside, you think they would take more pride in the discovery center. It has so much potential, the exhibits themselves are cute & creative; the space is big. The discovery center needs some TLC.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lewis N. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been here twice so far and my 3 kids (ages 5-9) love it. It's full of activities that can last easily an hour, but you want to plan for 2-3 hours. We stayed for just over 2 hours on both visits. Some areas got updated such as having new items and it seems like the staff take care it all pretty well. The grocery shopping activity is easily the most popular activity and then the water activity is also pretty fun too. But there are just tons of things to do and costumes to wear. There will be a lot of moments to take photos as well. Be sure to to check their schedule before going so you have enough time to spend there.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Llewellyn S. 6 months ago on Google • 163 reviews
    We were babysitting the grandkids for the day so we caught the bus and arrived early. To an adult the place looks a bit tired but to kids it is excellent. They took a while to get into it (and put on the firemen's costumes, police costumes etc) but they loved it. My grand daughter now wants to be a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines and my grandson just loved the rainforest exhibit. 3 hours was easily occupied and as we left we got some snacks from the food outlet and the prices were really reasonable - someone has really thought about kids having fun and families here and they have done it well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gess 3 years ago on Google
    This place was fine. I am unsure what I envisioned it to be but my child enjoyed herself. It does need a new makeover as you can see that it's been there for a long time. Staff were all very nice/friendly. They were constantly cleaning toys after use which was nice to see. They asked for every customer to wash hands before entering the center. I'd go back again but wish the prices were a little less for what is offered.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mxd C. 1 year ago on Google
    We had so much fun here! It was our last day in Hawaii and we had been avoiding doing indoor things but I'm glad we didn't skip this one. The whole trip was really about doing family things but this one was just for the little one and just what she needed to be able to do her own thing without safety warnings and hand holding. (Once kids start school they like to feel independent, but a crowded vacation isn't the place for that, right!?) Anyway she loved it here. So many fun hands on things to do and explore. She loved dressing up and pretending to be different people like a police officer! She really got into it and arrested her dad for taking a picture of a police officer on duty, aka her! LMAO Anyway if tour kiddo just needs to be a kid for a bit in a safe place out of the sun this is definitely the place to go. Also, we didn't feel over crowded. Families respected each other's space for the most part. Lots of places to sanitize also, FYI. Would definitely recommend coming here!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina M. 1 year ago on Google
    It's hard to find the correct parking lot and even the entrance, and it's definitely older and could use updating outside and at the entrance. But we had so much fun!!!!! We came close to closing but stayed the full 1.5 hours and could've easily spent double that and then some! Definitely try to get there when they open so you're not rushing through it. There's 3 stories of fun, a water area, an under 3 area, and several small play areas for the younger kids (under 5). My 20 month old had a blast! He's definitely a little young for most of the things, but there was plenty for him to do! Elementary age would have tons of fun too. Would absolutely recommend going and we're considering getting the family pass!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Victoria A. 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    This museum could be so much more for the space and location. It's very old and has a weird smell in the room with the mouth exhibit. It's probably the old carpets that have hopefully been cleaned yearly. Most of the things inside are very well used. The stuff at the top floors was cute and engaging. They should definitely used that money to redo that whole bottom floor.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heidi B. 9 months ago on Google
    Easily the best children's museum/entertainment center we've ever visited, hands down. We were a little cautious when we walked in and didn't see much of anything in the lobby area, but my daughter was excited so we went ahead and paid admission despite them closing in two hours. I'm glad we did. There was SO much for kids to do with a perfect balance of fun and education. It wasn't too crowded at all, and the staff were taking great care in keeping things clean and maintained. Very friendly too. We'd love to come back someday and stay even longer.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chuck A O. 1 year ago on Google
    For those visiting or living local, this place is a robust multifaceted learning/play center for kids 3 to pre-teen. 3 floors of interactive learning stations/exhibits. Kids get inside and are non-stop until they leave. Part of the perk of entry is you don't need to clean up after your kids! 😅..but seriously, bless those attendants who are constantly picking up and cleaning after the kiddos. They have memberships for those who want to come often.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kate R. 1 year ago on Google
    We've been to a few Children's museums throughout the years with our nieces, nephews, and now our LO. They often don't have much for toddlers but this one had a few sections geared specifically toward under 5 or under 3. They had some pretty neat areas about the islands and Hawaii that made this one unique. I think the only part that was closed was the bubbles. Overall, with $12 pp.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Larry L. 2 months ago on Google • 30 reviews New
    It's fine for kids, but definitely doesn't seem the most sanitary. Also a bit pricey for what it is. Most of the toys and displays are very beat up. The water area is probably the coolest part.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Karisa K. 1 month ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    It was an alright place to take my 2 kids. The only parts they really liked was the rainforest. We also went to the café an ordered food. Waited about 10-15 minutes for chicken nuggets an fries that was just your average microwavable kind of food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 el g. 1 month ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    I went there first thing in the morning, and it was a place that kids could really enjoy. We spent about 4 hours playing at the Japanese version of Kidzania, learning about the cultures of various countries in some parts of the world and playing in a pool that resembles a river.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Celina L. 3 months ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Fantastic! Great for all kids under 6. Special play space for toddlers. Different space for under 3. Well thought out spaces and centers. Activities can be approached from a number of age levels
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John M. 1 year ago on Google
    Their website doesn't do this place justice!! The center is so much fun with so many activities to interact with and learn from. My wife and I had just as much fun as our kids. The staff are all so friendly, we can't wait to go back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Melody J. 1 year ago on Google
    Really nice children’s museum. A lot of fun for the little ones. All of the kids wanted to stay when they were closing. So much to explore and the staff sanitizes the surfaces throughout the day. Very organized play areas.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jason B. 5 months ago on Google
    While the children's museum offers enjoyment for a couple of visits, its lack of regular updates and signs of wear and tear in certain areas diminish the long-term appeal. Most children museums across the mainland update with new areas. This hasn’t changed at all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eric J. 3 years ago on Google
    Some of the displays have seen better days, but overall a great place to bring your 4-9 year old. Be ready to play, as your children will want to engage with you! Imagination not required but recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael I. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for littles to play. Staff did a great job wiping surfaces down after each group left station and limited number of people allowed in at a time. Must reserve time on their website before going.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sarah H. 10 months ago on Google
    It was okay. I would give it a 4.5. My son loved it. It was just too small and one of the places was not open. It would be a great place for play dates.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Avniel N. 2 years ago on Google
    Super fun for the kids. Had lots to do. The workers were constantly sanitizing so everything was kept clean. You have to make a reservation and it's for only 2 hours so you have to hussle to see everything
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wrenn I. 2 months ago on Google • 44 reviews New
    Chaperoned my daughter's kindergarten field trip to the Discovery Center. There are many different rooms and exhibits for the kids and parents to interact with and enjoy. It's fun for the entire family.

  • 5/5 George M. 2 months ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Our 3 1/2 year old granddaughter had a blast playing in the many national kitchens, putting on her own play in the theater exhibit, and enjoying many other exhibits. We went on a Wednesday morning and it wasn't crowded.

  • 5/5 Jennifer A. 7 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    This place is wonderful for kids to have fun and learn concurrently. Both my children have attended the preschool programs they offer here, and it's like putting your child in an amazing interactive learning facility. They get to play in the galleries and experience learning hands-on. There is so much to do from climbing, to sliding, to building, imaginative play, story time, and science experiments. They also have a great STEAM focused gift shop and Cafe to fill up at. I absolutely adore this place.

  • 5/5 Sarah K. 11 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    The top floor was closed because the aircon was broken, but my 4 year old and I were still entertainined for 2.5 hours! It was amazing, with so much variety and educational activities. It's nice they have seperate areas for younger kids. I recommend this place!

  • 5/5 Guilliana H. 1 month ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    I absolutely loved this place! There’s water play, an area for infants only. And there are sooo many exploratory/dramatic play areas: vet, firefighter station, police station, doctor, etc. There’s a play kitchen and areas to play sports. There are areas for learning about anatomy. On the second floor, there’s an airplane and boat simulator. And different types of traditional cultural setups. I definitely recommend!!

  • 5/5 Nicole V. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    My 2 yr old daughter goes here almost every Saturday for their toddler program, she absolutely loves it. From singing, dancing and arts crafts, this is a perfect toddler introduction to classroom or group setting. She also loves her teacher Ms. Sandy and the other workers/volunteers, they are so friendly and helpful. She also loves the play areas and playing pretend, from working in a diner, to playing with water and flying airplane she can do it all here at one stop. The hours are early during the week and they close at 3p on weekends but it's perfect place to bring your young children for active and imagination play!

  • 5/5 Alessio R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great space for kids to play. There are two spaces that are safe for babies as well, our 7 months had a lot of fun. The whole space was very interesting and fun to explore for the entire family.

  • 4/5 Magical P. 11 months ago on Google
    This is the type of place you go in with an imagination and play with your kids in a nice setting. Lots of cool props to act out different jobs, professions, hobbies, etc. We didn't see a cafeteria or restaurant but packed food to eat on some table/chairs set up outside. There's free parking in a nearby public park. The toilet are not downsized for little ones so bring your toilet seats. Carry wipes with you as there are a lot of toys and props. We managed to get an hour out of this place for us, your results may vary.

  • 5/5 Nancy B. 9 months ago on Google
    I've been to many children's museums throughout the USA and this one is spectacular (and affordable)! The exhibits are great! Staff keeps items clean and organized. I highly recommend for young children!

  • 4/5 Spring N. 9 months ago on Google
    They open only 4hrs. My baby loves this place. Wish open longer.

  • 5/5 Alec L. 10 months ago on Google
    We love the Children’s Discovery Center! Our kids are 2 and 18 months, and they ask to go here about every day. The staff is so kind and helpful, the play areas are very thoughtful and accessible, and there really is something for everyone.

  • 3/5 Alex A. 11 months ago on Google
    I normally love this place. My kids absolutely love coming here. But when we went a day ago, the top floor was closed (which is half the museum) and the air conditioning wasn't working on the first floor. They didn't inform us the second floor was closed entirely until after we paid. They honestly need to be offering a discount if half the museum is closed. Won't be returning until the second floor is open.

  • 5/5 Rainbow 1 year ago on Google
    One of the Best children's museum! and we visit many. Every time we visit Honolulu we go here. My kids love it. Especially the ship! It's ALL great. Even walking past all the homeless camps is a good education on empathy, awareness, gratirude, and social responsibility. FIRST WE GO TO adult museum then children's for incentive-works great everytime and my kids have excellent museum behavior now.

  • 5/5 Nicola F. 1 year ago on Google
    Arrived at opening at 9am and kids cried when they had to leave at closing at 1pm. Such a great place for them to play and learn. Didn't get time to try the café because they didn't want to pause.

  • 5/5 Alison B. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic children's museum. Visited on a Tuesday with my 5 year old. Engaging, clean, well stocked exhibits that are well spaced. Staff were cleaning throughout our visit. There is only 1 bathroom on the first floor. First floor is typical children's museum activities, second floor is Hawaii culture, and 3rd is several countries that touch the Pacific. There are a few infant- toddler spaces. We were there for 2 hours, but could have spent another 1-2 there if had the time. This museum is not part of the reciprocal children's museum program. We would definitely visit again!

  • 5/5 Shocktop B. 1 year ago on Google
    My kids love it. All the activities are a little dated, but the amount of activities is pretty substantial. Always go back and find something new. Worth the time to check it out, for younger kids (2-7)

  • 4/5 Carly M. 2 years ago on Google
    Really fun, creative place. Definitely worth a visit, and for us we got a pass and go weekly or every other week. My son is almost three and there is a lot for him to do. It definitely is pretty dated like other reviews suggest.

  • 5/5 Emily C. 3 years ago on Google
    This place was so fun! My kid had been a few times around age 4, but still enjoyed it for hours at age 11! The Hawaiian Airlines flight simulator was the biggest hit. Such a great place for kids to wear themselves out and tons of staff spraying and cleaning every few minutes. Thank you for a safe place to play!

  • 5/5 Deb G. 4 years ago on Google
    This is the best children's museum in the entire United States! The entrance price is great, as well as the way the center is organized. Downstairs is dedicated to gigantic body functions, community service jobs, restaurant chef, police, dentist, baseball hitting practice, race cars, and then a whole room dedicated to reading with an actual library with about 500 books, a gigantic reading chair, a real storyteller/reader. Then the next two floors are dedicated to the other Polynesian countries with dress up clothes, play food, games, books, culture activities as well as an airline flight simulator that really works, and every area has full costume dress up for what ever the activity happens to be, such as a pilot, airline hostess, etc. If I lived here full time, I'd have a membership. It's fantastic!. Oh, and the cafe has the most reasonable prices I've ever encountered.

  • 5/5 Taylor D. 3 years ago on Google
    Clean, fun, great staff, bought a membership and I expect we're going to be going a lot.

  • 5/5 Debra Caracol P. 3 years ago on Google
    Took my grandson for the first time! Enjoyed every moment, the layout was easy to get around, the different ethnic themes, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Vietnamese was so interesting and educational . Looking forward to our next visit


Call (808) 524-5437 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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