Children's Discovery Center
Rating
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
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