Children's Discovery Center - Honolulu, Hawaii - Challenging Young Minds with Interactive Learning

Across from Kaka'ako Waterfront Park, the blue and pink concrete building with a smoke stack on top looks like anything but the site of a revolution. Inside, however, young minds are breaking free of conditioned restraints in a world-class, interactive learning environment - The Hawaii Children's Discovery Center (HCDC).

The Center's mission is to help children "develop a positive self-concept'' and an appreciation of others in Hawaii's multicultural community, while offering a "window to the world'' beyond the island shores. It accomplishes this by inviting youth and the young-at-heart to explore and discover the world in new ways, encouraging them to "dream big dreams'' and use their senses of touch, sight, hearing, and smell to gain understanding.

Specific programs include: "Toddler Tuesdays'' with singing and activities aimed at ages 1~4; interactive "Art in The Park'' held on Wednesdays; "Once Upon a Story'' reading time each Thursday; and special "Camps'' offered three times a year during school breaks. Cooking classes, concerts and acting lessons are scheduled monthly.

Five permanent exhibit areas are also open to the public. "Tot Spot'' has toys and activities for children to age 5; "Fantastic You'' focuses on the wonders of the human body; and "Your Town'' lets kids experience being grown-ups for a day. Meanwhile, "Hawaiian Rainbows'' introduces local culture, and "Your Rainbow World'' explores cultures in regions beyond the Pacific horizon.

For parents, there is a resource center with literature on child-raising, networking, stimulating learning at home, and even recipes for making finger paint. Tips on how to get the most out of the Center are available online, as well as by speaking to the friendly fulltime staff. There is a gift shop on the premises, too, filled with educational games, toys, books, and cultural items.

During business hours, the facilities of the Children's Discovery Center are available for corporate holiday parties, business meetings, family reunions, wedding receptions, community events, and other memorable events. Rental rates depend upon the space required and number of guests attending. Birthday bashes, for example, cost $13~$20 per person, which includes admission, balloons, pizza, juice, carousel rides, and craft activities. A 10-person minimum and $75 security deposit may apply.

Opening hours are 9am to 1pm, Tuesday through Friday, and 10am till 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Center is closed on Mondays and national holidays, as well as for a two-week recess around Labor Day.

General admission costs $10 for adults and children, $8 for local residents and military personnel, and $6 for seniors aged 62 and above. Infants under one year of age and HCDC Members are admitted free of charge. Admission is also free to bearers of the "Go Oahu Card,'' a multi-attraction pass providing access to over 25 local attractions, activities and tours.

Annual family memberships are $100 for two persons and $50 for each additional adult or child. In addition to unlimited free access to the Center, members receive a newsletter, discounts on programs and workshops, and 10 percent off on all gift shop purchases.

The Children's Discovery Center is located at 111 Ohe Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. In the adjacent parking lot at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park, ample free parking is available. For those who prefer public transportation, several buses drop off nearby, including the #19, #20, #55, #56, and #57, from Waikiki and Ala Moana Shopping Center westbound or downtown Honolulu eastbound.