Children's Discovery Center — photo 1 of 5

Children's Discovery Center

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Rating

4.6(708)

Family of 4

$45-65 (admission approximately $12-16 per person; check discoverycenterhawaii.

Duration

1.5-2.5 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 2-10

About

Honolulu's Children's Discovery Center is the city's dedicated children's museum — a place where young visitors can engage with interactive, hands-on exhibits that make learning feel like play. With 708 reviews at a 4.6 rating, it has built a strong reputation with both Oahu families and visitors to Hawaii.

The exhibit content leans into Hawaii's unique cultural and natural identity: children can explore Hawaiian culture, the state's ecosystems, and themed role-play stations that give young visitors a window into island life beyond the beach and luau. For families visiting Honolulu, the CDC offers educational depth that complements the usual tourist experience.

Key planning note: the Children's Discovery Center is closed on Mondays. Weekday hours run from 9AM to 1PM — arrive at opening to get the full experience before the short morning closes. Weekend hours run 10AM-3PM.

Located in downtown Honolulu near the waterfront, the CDC is accessible from Waikiki and the Kaka'ako area. Admission runs approximately $12-16 per person — budget $45-65 for a family of four. Kama'aina (Hawaii residents) discounts apply; visitors pay standard rates.

This is one of the better indoor activities in Honolulu for children aged 2-10, particularly on a rainy tropical morning.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Limited

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Tuesday through Friday morning (open 9AM-1PM); closed Mondays

Wait Times

Minimal; 15-20 min possible on weekend mornings

Nearby Food

Downtown Honolulu and Kaka'ako neighborhood have excellent dining within a 5-10 minute drive. Honolulu's waterfront area has food options nearby.

Why Kids Love It

Honolulu's Children's Discovery Center is a hands-on children's museum with interactive exhibits covering science, culture, and Hawaii's natural world. Kids aged 2-10 love the themed activity stations where they can role-play, build, experiment, and create. The Hawaii-specific content gives visiting families a genuinely educational window into island culture that goes beyond a typical tourist experience.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • Closed Mondays — an important detail that trips up many visitors
  • Weekday hours are limited (9AM-1PM) — arrive at opening to maximize your time
  • Weekend hours are slightly later (10AM-3PM) but the museum can get crowded
  • Exhibits have Hawaiian cultural themes that add educational depth for visiting families
  • Located in downtown Honolulu near the Kaka'ako area — combine with a walk to the waterfront

What to Bring

  • Water bottle
  • Snacks for after (limited on-site options)
  • Comfortable shoes for active exhibit exploration

Cost Info

Admission Prices

Adult
$12.00
Child
free
Senior
$7.00

Tips to Save

  • The CDC has limited hours — closed Mondays and closes at 1PM on weekdays.
  • Plan around these constraints.
  • Kama'aina (Hawaii residents) discounts apply — visitors pay standard rates.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
9AM-1PM
Monday
Closed
Sunday
10AM-3PM
Tuesday
9AM-1PM
Saturday
10AM-3PM
Thursday
9AM-1PM
Wednesday
9AM-1PM

Contact

111 Ohe St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets & Booking

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