Well worth your time to stop in. For one thing, they have a great aquarium. This place really... read more
Mokupapapa Discovery Center
76 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2831
+1 808-933-8180
Website
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Certificate of Excellence
Review Highlights
“Fun, free and informative.”
Wilma B
, Nampa
“nice display”
Nice display and interesting tour with helpful guides. Check out the old building that houses the... read more
Lisa M
, Keaau, Hawaii
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The Mokupapapa Discovery Center allows visitors to learn about the natural science, culture, and history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and the surrounding marine environment. Since most people might not have the opportunity to visit these remote islands, the facility on the bayfront in Hilo, Hawai'i serves to ""bring the place to the people"" and spur greater public awareness of the region and ocean conservation issues. Housed in Hilo's historic, century-old Koehnen Building, Mokupapapa features a 3,500 gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive educational exhibits, lifesize models of wildlife found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, artwork inspired by those islands and Hawaiian culture, and many interpretive panels in both Hawaiian and English. The beauty of the historic Koehnen building has been preserved and refreshed to show off its majesty, including a koa wood staircase, Hawaiian hardwood floors, and high ceilings.
About Mokupapapa Discovery Center
The Mokupapapa Discovery Center allows visitors to learn about the natural science, culture, and history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and the surrounding marine environment. Since most people might not have the opportunity to visit these remote islands, the facility on the bayfront in Hilo, Hawai'i serves to ""bring the place to the people"" and spur greater public awareness of the region and ocean conservation issues. Housed in Hilo's historic, century-old Koehnen Building, Mokupapapa features a 3,500 gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive educational exhibits, lifesize models of wildlife found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, artwork inspired by those islands and Hawaiian culture, and many interpretive panels in both Hawaiian and English. The beauty of the historic Koehnen building has been preserved and refreshed to show off its majesty, including a koa wood staircase, Hawaiian hardwood floors, and high ceilings.
Travellers talk about
LOCATION
76 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-2831
CONTACT
Website
+1 808-933-8180
1 - 10 of 59 reviews
353
Well worth your time to stop in. For one thing, they have a great aquarium. This place really educates you about the National Monument. Very educational about the Atoll Islands. Great interaction for the kids whole learning of both heritage and how to preserve the...More
Thank Wilma B
181
Nice display and interesting tour with helpful guides. Check out the old building that houses the Center - it's a gem.
Thank Lisa M
737295
Stopped in for a short visit and wound up spending 1.5 hours here. The aquarium alone is amazing. If you have time, do yourself a favor and take a seat in the old vault and watch the film. It's about the journey to HI and...More
Thank Tupelo010835
6714
Ok, so mokupapapa might not look like much when you step in. It was a furniture store in the past. Take some time looking at the mural on the left of the entrance and the aquarium in the back of he first floor. There are...More
Thank travelingteacher808
443
This is a small attraction, but like most other attractions, including the Hilo Zoo, it's FREE! Great 20-30 minute stop to take the kids to learn about the ocean and ocean conservation. Has lots of nice displays with interactive video's, a life size traditional canoe,...More
1 Thank laurabelle28
22090
This small museum has a few exhibits and can be visited in a short time. Large fish tank of coral reef fish is really a beautiful display. Because there is no entry fee, it is a great short visit, especially for young children. It is...More
1 Thank HLW648
4817
Would be a great place for kids...but us over 65'ers enjoyed it, too. It's part of NOA and their goal is basically to educate the public about the island chain off Hawaii that is sinking and what we can do to help protect the animals...More
1 Thank Anita J
7023
Papahānaumokuākea is Beautifully Displayed at this Discovery Center, and what Former President Obama's Expansion signed in 2016, wants to Preserve! The Flora & Fauna Inhabiting the Islands are also threatened by mass amounts of Garbage & Debris which is also Noted at the Center. While...More
1 Thank Sooogoodjelly
14
Knowledgeable staff, lots of exhibits, and information. Videos to watch, kids activites to do, great all around set up.
Thank cleosmiles
417180
While it may not be the best place to visit with a school group, it still is worth visiting. Free, funded by donations only it is highly informative and interactive providing significant information on the islands we never hear about and the population of various...More
Thank ResourceTeacher
123456
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