Hawaii Nature Center

A private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1981, the Hawaii Nature Center provides environmental education in the out-of-doors. This is accomplished through hands-on, heart-touching field experiences for elementary school children, families and the public. We are the only organization in the State of Hawaii dedicated to educating island children about their unique environment in the out-of-doors.

The Hawaii Nature Center's mission is to foster awareness, appreciation and understanding of Hawaii and encourage wise stewardship of the islands in the future. The Hawaii Nature Center's main office is located on Oahu in Makiki Valley. With the Makiki Valley field site and other off-sites teaching locations such as Puu Ualakaa State Park, Honouliuli National Wildlife Refuge, and Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area, the Hawaii Nature Center on Oahu has grown from providing programs for 2,000 school children in 1981 to nearly 25,000 since the mid-1990's. Each program incorporates a different conceptual focus and studies in unique ecosystems at each grade level, from preschool to upper elementary on Oahu and Maui. In 1992, we opened our doors at our first neighbor island facility on Maui in Iao Valley, providing the same outdoor environmental education programs for elementary school children on Maui. In addition, the Hawaii Nature Center provides educational nature programs for families and adults that includes week-long intercession programs, family birthday parties, guided interpretive hikes, weekend family program, volunteer service projects, and more.