Children's Discovery Center

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 to 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.

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 to 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 to 10 love the themed activity stations where they can role-play, build, experiment, and create. The Hawaii-specific content gives visiting families an educational window into island culture that goes beyond a typical tourist experience.

What Parents Say

I think kids up to 7 years old would enjoy it.
Google Review

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
Child
free
Senior
$7

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

Have a Question?

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets & Booking

Some links below are affiliate links. KidPaths may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

View on Google Maps

Explore Honolulu with Kids

Discover more family-friendly activities in Honolulu, HI.

More Museums in Honolulu

You Might Also Like

Family Guides for Honolulu

Honolulu weekend picks, in your inbox

Get one short, practical Honolulu outing idea each week, plus age fit, cost notes, and rainy-day backups.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Planning a longer drive? Build a kid-friendly road trip →