Hawaii Nature Center

Went here for a field trip with my grade level. By far the BEST field trip I’ve been on in quite some time. I believe the program is different for different age groups, so this review is based on the one for first graders. This program focuses on living things (e.g., basic needs, habitats, food chain).
When the students first arrive, they are taken into a meeting area where one of the leader goes over the needs of living things. She introduces the three types of habitats the students will be seeing during their visit (e.g., meadow, stream, forest). She then brings out plants and animals from each of these habitats and gets the kids to decide which habitat it belongs to. She did a great job frontloading the information for the students so they would be familiar with what they were seeing when they entered each habitat.
The group is then broken up into three smaller groups to visit each of the habitats. My group went to the stream first. Our leader talked to the students about more animals and plants that they would be seeing. He then told the students that they would be going fishing in the stream. However, they had to get into groups and create a habitat for their creatures before they could go fishing. They had to have shelter, food, and water in their container before they could get their nets. This was an excellent expectation for the students because it enforced what living things need.
The next habitat we went to was the meadow. Before entering the meadow, our leader did a food chain activity with the students. They were dressed up as different parts of the food chain. It started with the sun, then the grass gets food from the sun, then the grasshopper eats the grass, and so forth. The kids really liked dressing up as the different animals and creating a food chain together. It was a great visual! The students were then given clear plastic jars to go out into the meadow as they tried to catch any creature they could find. There were grasshoppers and katydids out there. Some were too fast for the kids, but they all gave it their best efforts.
The last habitat we visited was the forest. It was quite muddy and mosquitoes were abundant! However, the kids were really good sports about it and trudged on. Some parts of the hike were actually pretty steep or high, but the kids put on their best risk-​taking attitudes and kept moving without complaints. I was so proud of them! We came across a snail shell as huge as a human hand and quite a few shama thrush birds who were singing their beautiful songs.
Each habitat had a song catchy song that reviewed what was to be learned from each habitat. They all were sung to the tune of ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’.
Overall, this is an extremely worthwhile experience for children. They got to experience habitats and living things through a wonderful hands-​on experience. Hawaii Nature Center also offers a variety of programs that families can attend on their own. I heard it can be kind of pricey, but it’s worth it. Hawaii Nature Center has a very professional staff that are knowledgeable about what they are teaching and know how to effectively work with children.
Tips:
1) Wear shoes and junky clothes. It WILL be muddy and you WILL get dirty. Just know that and get over it.
2) Bring mosquito repellent. These bad boys are all over the place! They come in swarms, too.

I went on a field trip today with a 1^st grade class. this place is in makiki & around by tantalus area.
once we got there there were 3 people who split the class in half to show them seperate areas. the first area we went to was the fishing area. we hiked down a trail (not too long) & our mentor showed us how to capture little shrimp in nets. dont worry we put them back in the stream haha. oh and i must warn you to wear mosquito repellent because there is the load of mosquitos there! very itchy! esp if you’re with kids. orrr you could wear pants and a long sleeve.
the second area we went to was the grasshopper field. yes this was cool! we got little jars to capture grasshoppers and we also put them back in the meadow. the kids loved this activity!
the third area we went to was a hike. this hike was kind of long. we experienced all the plants & habitats on the hike & saw a taro farm. the kids were kind of grumbling but having fun at the same time because there were so much to see on this hike. it rained the night before so it was kind of muddy (which was not fun for me) lol
overall, this is a fun & adventerous place for kids & they said they also do bday parties & camps there. wow!

Great organization with many educational programs for keiki and adults. They have school programs for preschool through middle school. They also host birthday parties. They even have an awesome camp whenever kids are off school: the Sensational Nature Adventure Program, «SNAP». That one is for ages 6 to 11. Beautiful surroundings and a hidden gem in the back of Makiki.

The Hawaii Nature Center has been host to the prestigious HURT 100 mile trail ultra-​marathon for a good many years. I was here for the 2013 and the most recent 2015 installment of this epic race on MLK weekend. It was definitely amazing to see and experience running Tantalus trails all day and all night for 100 miles.
It was definitely a wild and memorable experience for sure. While I wasn’t a participant of the race, I helped a friend by pacing with him throughout the night, especially when I am not used to the trails in Tantalus. Why did I do it is the million dollar question. I wasn’t sure. I wasn’t the trail runner that I am clearly not, but I just did what I needed to do and break free from whatever mental barrier I had and just went for it. If I broke anything, then I would just need to deal with it at it comes. The Hawaii Nature Center is basically the nerve center for the HURT 100 trail race and home to majority of the volunteers who worked 36 hours faithfully and tirelessly to make this event a success. The Hawaii Nature Center is the gateway to the Na Hele Trail system in Honolulu. It was very scenic here and very beautiful. You could tell that the trails here are very well maintained and many people use the trails for health and fitness. You can find inner peace here as well as a quiet place to relax, rejuvenate, and rekindle your spirit away from life in the city. It’s a very good place to just get away from the urban city.
As well as events and other functions, the Hawaii Nature Center caters to anyone and everyone was well as the avid hiker and outdoorsman. For me, the trails are a very special place and a great source of enjoyment to many people who use the trails on a regular basis. The Hawaii Nature Center is located at the base of Tantalus & Makiki Heights Drive and is the gateway to a couple of trails, namely the Kanealole and Maunalaha trails. The best part of the Hawaii Nature Center is the fact that it’s FREE. Yup, FREE Admission. It’s definitely great for families for a day outside without costing anything, but time. Discovering nature beyond the urban jungle that is urban Honolulu and getting outside works well to broaden childrens horizon and keeps them curious for anything and everything science and nature. Getting here is logistically easy. There trails here are lush and full of life. The parking here is alright, but its further down the road from the buildings. There is a parking lot, albeit small, but there is one, and there’s also street side parking, if available. Hiking is grand here and very much encouraged.
If you are like me, the public bus system takes you close to the Hawaii Nature Center, but you’d have to walk about a mile up from the nearest bus stop. For me, it was at Punahou and Nehoa Streets via TheBus route #5 — Manoa Valley. Stop there and walk along Nehoa Street till Makiki Street. Turn right and walk till you hit the fork. Take Makiki Heights Drive and go all the way up till you see the parking on the right hand side. Then walk about 2 – 3 minutes to the Hawaii Nature Center. I am not sure if the buildings that look like a small school is apart of the Hawaii Nature Center complex, since when I was there, a group of school kids and their parents were doing a group thing, and thought it was a school over there. I wasn’t sure though, but I eventually found my group in the main building further up Makiki Heights Drive. The neighborhood surrounding the Hawaii Nature Center is very private, so do respect the area and the trail. Wipe your footwear before and after going on the trail, so you can prevent the spread of seeds and other things from going into the trail system.
I’m definitely a fan of the Hawaii Nature Center. If you are an avid hiker or just a fan of the outdoors, come here for a leisurely stroll on the trails before or after work, or make it a day on the trails on the weekend. It can be fun.
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I have had a few meetings here– I have also had the chance to hear a few talks and get in a few walks.
I am used to nature and extremely passionate biologists, botanists and fauna lovers.
It is small but great to have some opportunities here in HI to have resources needed to teach about nature.
I would say that it is not great for toddlers– as it may be too much walking– but older kids it is great to show them the education center and nature itself and get some great info that will help them like nature better.

Our son’s Boy Scout troop has had two visits to Hawaii Nature Center and both visits were excellent. During the first visit, the boys hiked and collected stuff to make a closed terrarium. Today’s visit was to learn about conservation and the boys learned about endemic plants and helped clear invasive plants. Sharon (?) Nature Center guide, is very good at keeping the boys engaged and on track with the project at hand. This place is a little gem for the community, schools and for any group that wants to learn about nature and spend some time in the great outdoors.

Wonder what to do with your keiki during an odd summer week, or perhaps fall/​winter/​spring break, after all your intrepid co-​workers went and signed up for vacay before you? This happens often to someone like me (who can’t think past next week) quite often.
When this happens, I highly recommend sending the kids to the Hawaii Nature Center’s SNAP (Sensational Nature Adventure) program.
These are summer and intersession programs that cater to kids 6 – 12, and provide an environmentally themed educational camp experience that is actually FUN. The educators are fantastic and teach the kids to Malama the Aina but in a lighthearted way that appeals.
My kid has been attending various SNAP programs for years now. I especially love the flexibility of the summer programs (you can sign up for one week at a time — no need to commit to a huge block of time).
The setting is just gorgeous, in the back of Makiki valley yet so close to my work in town. The SNAP educators keep the kids busy all day long with projects and activities, and lots and lots of hiking! The day runs 7:45am-3pm with an after care option until 5. If you are a Nature Center member the tuition is discounted. And so nice for kids to escape the concrete jungle.
Here is a sample of the current week’s program (each week is organized around a theme):
Amazing Arthropods — exploring those creepy crawly things under our feet
Day 1 — Exploring habitats of arthropods in Makiki Valley –searching in the meadow and learning about their life cycles while fishing in the stream
Day 2 — Tide Pool Arthopods — field trip to Makapuu Tide Pools — exploring for crustaceans
Day 3 — Crustaceans on land/​stream — digging for decomposers on land and in water including pill bugs
Day 4 — holiday
Day 5 — Arthopods on the trail — Makiki Loop Trail HIke
As other Unilocalers have mentioned this area is rich in stunning flora and fauna, but also in MUD. We usually save a crappy pair of sneakers for Nature Center weeks, so we don’t feel bad about discarding them if they get totally trashed. Anything remotely nice will be encased by mud and constant moisture up there. Your kid needs sunscreen, a good hat, rain poncho, a change of clothes and shoes, and lots and lots of bug spray. Take note if you are a clean freak: the kids will come home filthy, but are good and tired and tend to go to sleep early. That way you can enjoy a glass of wine and veg out in front of the tube in peace.

My husband and I came here for a hike, and it was truly a beautiful place. The facilities are very nice as well. There is a hose to wash your feet off before and after your hike (to preserve the delicate eco balance) and some really nice restrooms. The trails are well maintained and really beautiful. I love the proximity of the Nature Center to town, just a few blocks from the city. We took the bus here and it was only a 15 minute walk to get from the closest bus stop to the Nature Center. Parking looked limited, so I was happy that we took the bus!

Our son had his 6^th birthday party here. The instructor was amazing and wonderful with the kids. We had around 20 children and they were all very well-​behaved because she had them engaged in all types of fun activities. It was nice to have the kids play outdoors, learn about nature, and the beautiful Island we live on. It was extremely RELAXING! Parents were talking story on the benches and eating snacks while the educator worked with the kids. My son said it was the best «birthday ever» and he has never said that before.

Yes I’m 30 and yes I had more fun at a 6 year old’s birthday party here than most other birthday parties i’ve ever attended! Mind you, I even make this statement considering I did not get to build my own terrarium or go fishing because I had to cut my fun short to attend another party :(
I showed up to said second event with beautiful cherry red mosquito bites on my face… and elsewhere … so heed Lori I’s instructions and advice — WEAR BUG SPRAY, long sleeves, shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, etc…
The facility is really nicely maintained, there is a really awesome play room with a really fast slide (watchout for the lightweight kiddies, they’ll fly across the room!) and a great space for parties. There’s also an outdoor porch area with picnic tables right in front of a nice full kitchen with serving window so it really makes serving BYO food a breeze.
The nature center staff were cute young girls (daddies will have fun too :), knowledgeable and great with kids. I really liked that the «hike”/walk involved stops at different areas along the trail to learn about surroundings, things you needed to find to build the terrarium and other fun facts along the way.
Great alternative to the typical party venue and FUN for all ages!

We had a bunch of 6 yr old boys here for a birthday party and they got down and dirty and had a great time. There were two parts to the 2hr guided nature hike/​tour:
NATURE HIKE
1. Collect items to make a TERRARIUM… The boys (and a few brave girls) dug for worms, picked up rocks, sticks, leaf skeletons, seedlings, bugs, slugs, snails and piled them into a bucket… (Since my son doesn’t usually get to dig for worms, I think this was the highlight of the whole entire experience).
2. Along the way, they saw the Lo’i Kalo (taro patch), a colony of bees, and different types of flora/​fauna. They also learned about decomposers, and a little bit about the life cycles of the plants/​animals. The hike was short and easy, slightly uphill, and was very muddy and slippery. A few kids slipped on the way down, so you’ve been warned… they were covered with mud by the end of the trail…
TIP:
1. WEAR INSECT REPELLANT.
2. Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting all muddy.
3. WEAR BUG SPRAY.
4. Wear long sleeved shirts/​long pants.
5. SPRAY THAT BUG SPRAY ALL OVER YOU. I had long sleeves with cuffs, long pants (with no openings) and sprayed my neck and face but the mosquitos still managed to bite my ass through my pants. (!!)
When the boys got back to the pavillion, they assembled their terrariums. Miss Michelle was awesome and really got the kids into designing and building a self-​sustaining ecosystem in their jar. The kids would have been completely happy with that, but then it was time for part 2:
FISHING in Makiki Stream:
The Hawaii Nature Center provided the nets for all the kids and Michelle took them down to the stream and explained where the best places were to find fish. Since it had just rained, the water was brown but all the kids managed to catch shrimp or fish and put them in in the buckets. They released their catch after they were finished (most of them did, anyway).
TIP:
1. WEAR BUG SPRAY.
2. In a large group of boys, there is a very good chance that one of them will either jump in or get very wet. BRING EXTRA CLOTHES AND DRY SHOES.
3. WEAR INSECT REPELLANT.
4. Make sure your son does not put the shrimp in his pocket to take home.
5. Blah blah blah… BUG SPRAY.
Birthday party for a bunch of boys=Awesome!

Great trail system! Can’t get bored of it because you can start at any trail head. Just watch out for fallen trees. When there’s heavy rain there’s at least a fallen tree somewhere on the trails.
Love the trails! Great to run thru the trees than on the road! Just love to run the trails when its raining… dangerous — yes! But love to get muddy and then go out eat somewhere right after! LOL!

We had a birthday party there for a bunch of 8 year olds.
The guided activities was fun for everyone, young and old alike. The kids loved terrarium building, picking up leaves, rocks, digging up worms and bugs. They also couldn’t stop talking about the fishes and shrimps in the stream.
We went on a partially rainy day so the trail was muddy. But the kids has a blast. If you are the outdoors type, this is perfect introduction. We had access to picnic style tables, their kitchen, frig, etc. So everything was pretty easy.
The place was a hair hard to find so definately make signs and give clear instructions. Scouting the place first also helps. Definately worth re-​visiting.

I Love the Hawaii Nature Center!

BEST PLACE EVER!!! This was one of the field trips we went to through the Hula Conference. They have many things tailored to teaching kids all about the land and how to preserve and respect it. Sometimes you need to listen to how they lecture 4^th graders to get that «ahhhh ha» moment. The way our guide Jamie taught us about how the hawaiian islands were formed was the cutest thing ever. Very interactive… very informative. The hike after the lecture was beautiful. Afterward she brought us up the hill to a beautiful view of the whole Waikiki area.
A halau sister who grew up here told me she had a childhood birthday party here one year and she LOVED IT… if you have kids… you should bring them to the camp here. Worth it… very worth it