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.

Description:
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.

History:
The Hawaii Nature Center's original field site is located on Oahu in Makiki Valley. With the Makiki Valley field site, and additional remote sites such as Puu Ualakaa State Park, Honouliuli National Wildlife Refuge, Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area and Pouhala Marsh, 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, and a special sixth through eighth grade program at the Interactive Nature Museum on Maui. In 1992, we opened our doors at our first neighbor island facility on Maui in Iao Valley. This facility, as well as a field site at Kealia Pond, now serves more than 60 percent of Maui County's elementary school students each year. In addition, the recently renovated Iao Valley facility was acquired in perpetuity for environmental education, and now boasts an Interactive Nature Museum with more than 30 hands-on exhibits emphasizing the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands. This, and a special Rainforest Walk, provide valuable educational experiences for Maui visitors as well as residents. The Center provides educational nature programs for families and adults on the weekends on Oahu and Maui. These include guided interpretive hikes, nature adventures, earth care projects, and more.

Contact person: Pauline Kawamata, Volunteer Manager, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (808) 955-0116

Address:

2131 Makiki Heights Dr. Honolulu, HI 96822 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.hawaiinaturecenter.org

Directions:

Field sites on Oahu and Maui. Call for more information