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    Hawaii Nature Center

    4.7 (42 reviews)
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    Khierstin G.

    Came for a field trip on a promising sunny Tuesday morning only for it to start pouring as we were wrapping up a netting activity at the stream. As we made our way back to the picnic tables before heading to the meadow, our thoughtful guide handed out ponchos for the children which kept them from getting even more soaked. With no end of the rain subsiding, we continued on with catching crickets and other insects in the tall grass, and finished with a semi-slippery hike up above the stream. Overall, I would come here again rain or shine. Not only was it educational for the kids, but for the adults as well.

    Taking a break
    Carrie G.

    Hikers park in the lot at the bottom of the street then go up and around the long way rather than walk along the paved road. The path is a lot longer to reach the trailhead and it's muddy so after you wash your shoes be prepared and bring a change of shoes for your car! There's a decent amount of parking but it does fill up, and the trail is clearly marked and easy to follow (aka, I trust myself not to get lost!!) It's a decent workout- and the loop means you have a different view of stuff throughout the hike, vs having to turn around and go back the same way. It takes me about 1.5 hours to do the ~3 mile loop. If you go with kids or people who take their time, plan on at least 2.5 hours. If you turn right at the bench and trail map sign at the beginning of the trail, that side is dryer, and is a steeper ascent, but the other 2 parts of the loop are mostly downhill. If you go left, it's lusher and muddier but mostly uphill at a less steep slope for more of the trail. There's 2 bench spots on the trail you can sit and rest at. There's a few water crossings, but it's not deep. Dog friendly! The beginning of the trail has several signs marking the types of plants, and 2 bridges that go over rivers. I know they do kids education programs and I think they do a great job in the community. The gate closes at sunset. I've never been locked in, but have gotten stuck past sunset the time I brought a friend who brought a baby so we were slowed down and had to do the last mile by my phone's flashlight. That was gnarly!!

    Lori I.

    We had a bunch of 6 yr old boys here for a birthday party and they got down and dirty and had a great time. There were two parts to the 2hr guided nature hike/tour: NATURE HIKE 1. Collect items to make a TERRARIUM...The boys (and a few brave girls)dug for worms, picked up rocks, sticks, leaf skeletons, seedlings, bugs, slugs, snails and piled them into a bucket.... (Since my son doesn't usually get to dig for worms, I think this was the highlight of the whole entire experience). 2. Along the way, they saw the Lo'i Kalo (taro patch), a colony of bees, and different types of flora/fauna. They also learned about decomposers, and a little bit about the life cycles of the plants/animals. The hike was short and easy, slightly uphill, and was very muddy and slippery. A few kids slipped on the way down, so you've been warned...they were covered with mud by the end of the trail... TIP: 1. WEAR INSECT REPELLANT. 2. Wear shoes that you don't mind getting all muddy. 3. WEAR BUG SPRAY. 4. Wear long sleeved shirts/long pants. 5. SPRAY THAT BUG SPRAY ALL OVER YOU. I had long sleeves with cuffs, long pants (with no openings) and sprayed my neck and face but the mosquitos still managed to bite my ass through my pants. (!!) When the boys got back to the pavillion, they assembled their terrariums. Miss Michelle was awesome and really got the kids into designing and building a self-sustaining ecosystem in their jar. The kids would have been completely happy with that, but then it was time for part 2: FISHING in Makiki Stream: The Hawaii Nature Center provided the nets for all the kids and Michelle took them down to the stream and explained where the best places were to find fish. Since it had just rained, the water was brown but all the kids managed to catch shrimp or fish and put them in in the buckets. They released their catch after they were finished (most of them did, anyway). TIP: 1. WEAR BUG SPRAY. 2. In a large group of boys, there is a very good chance that one of them will either jump in or get very wet. BRING EXTRA CLOTHES AND DRY SHOES. 3. WEAR INSECT REPELLANT. 4. Make sure your son does not put the shrimp in his pocket to take home. 5. Blah blah blah...BUG SPRAY. Birthday party for a bunch of boys=Awesome!

    Cindy L.

    We came here for my daughter's preschool field trip. Yes, a bunch of 3 to 5 year olds running around. The Nature Center provided a great outing for the kids, we started with an introduction of the forest with story time. Went onto a 30-minutes hike up the hills, exploring different leaves, trees and insect sounds, then came back to the center to play some kid's activities like jumping like a grasshopper, petting rabbits, digging for worms and etc. TIPS - Must wear insect repellent and shoes. The Nature Center also have programs for non-school events, like birthday parties, or just a family time to explore the woods.

    Angelo A.

    We just attended a birthday party (for a large group of energetic 5 year olds) at the Hawaii Nature Center - and it was FANTASTIC. The Nature Center provided (very patient) guides who led the kids on a bug hunt in a nearby field and fishing for shrimp in the adjacent stream. After a break for birthday cake, they concluded with a fun craft activity. The kids were excited and engaged the entire time. There's a covered area with tables, as well as bathrooms. Not sure what the exact cost is, but the mom hosting the party said it was reasonable. Would definitely recommend the Nature Center as an option for a fun birthday party. Even if you're not attending a party, the Nature Center is the starting point of many trails/hikes into Makiki. We already have plans to take visiting family members here. Limited parking available (small lot). Bring LOTS of bug spray!!!

    took a hike on the trail
    Jessica R.

    I went on a field trip today with a 1st grade class. this place is in makiki & around by tantalus area. once we got there there were 3 people who split the class in half to show them seperate areas. the first area we went to was the fishing area. we hiked down a trail (not too long) & our mentor showed us how to capture little shrimp in nets. dont worry we put them back in the stream haha. oh and i must warn you to wear mosquito repellent because there is the load of mosquitos there! very itchy! esp if you're with kids. orrr you could wear pants and a long sleeve. the second area we went to was the grasshopper field. yes this was cool! we got little jars to capture grasshoppers and we also put them back in the meadow. the kids loved this activity! the third area we went to was a hike. this hike was kind of long. we experienced all the plants & habitats on the hike & saw a taro farm. the kids were kind of grumbling but having fun at the same time because there were so much to see on this hike. it rained the night before so it was kind of muddy (which was not fun for me) lol overall, this is a fun & adventerous place for kids & they said they also do bday parties & camps there. wow!

    Judie H.

    BEST PLACE EVER!!! This was one of the field trips we went to through the Hula Conference. They have many things tailored to teaching kids all about the land and how to preserve and respect it. Sometimes you need to listen to how they lecture 4th graders to get that "ahhhh ha" moment. The way our guide Jamie taught us about how the hawaiian islands were formed was the cutest thing ever. Very interactive...very informative. The hike after the lecture was beautiful. Afterward she brought us up the hill to a beautiful view of the whole Waikiki area. A halau sister who grew up here told me she had a childhood birthday party here one year and she LOVED IT...if you have kids...you should bring them to the camp here. Worth it...very worth it

    Keoni V.

    Great weekend programs for keiki. Top-notch educators and great nature experiences. We attended three classes and loved all of them!

    I can't post the cute ones around the circles due to being minors but they had a blast
    Michelle B.

    I took my students here for a field trip today. We had Ms Brooke as your guide. She was so incredibly patient with my students. I warned her ahead of time that my students are a little rambunctious and she just rolled with it. She kept them preoccupied and engaged the entire day. When the students started to become off tasked, she quickly moved on to a new activity. The day started under a covered area where she reviewed the plant, gas, water, nutrient, animal life cycles. She reviewed all the material with the students and then we were off. We started on a trail up through the forest which lead to a stream. We talked about the water cycle in more detail and then the students went fishing in the stream. The students decided this was a great time to get wet, so many of them hoped into the water. We then continued through out the trail stopping along the way to talk about the other cycles of plants, gas, nutrients and animal cycles. The students loved talking about the nutrient cycle and loved looking for worms in the mud. This was a great day for the students. They were covered head to toe in mosquito bites, mud, and soaked to the bone but they were happy. Kudos to Ms. Brooke for working with our class and having the patience of a saint. I would highly recommend the Hawaii Nature Center for a field trip or just to go hike around.

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    Gorgeous, less crowded so you can truly enjoy being surrounded by lush scenery and wildlife.

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    Mahalo for taking the time to comment. We hope to see you again soon.

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    Hawaii Nature Center Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Hawaii Nature Center

    Do you still do birthday parties? I was looking online for information. Thanks!

    Yes, they do. https://hawaiinaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024.30.01-HNC-Birthday-Party-Flyer.pdf

    Are we allowed to decorate for birthdays? And do we get to do all 3 activities or do we choose 1?

    Aloha! Yes, you are allowed to decorate for birthday parties as you wish. You pick one of the activities due to time constraints. Mahalo for your interest!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Hawaii Nature Center

    We talked about the water cycle in more detail and then the students went fishing in the stream.

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    HI IQ Learning

    HI IQ Learning

    5.0
    (1 review)
    1.3 mi

    I was referred to HI IQ Learning Center by a good friend. We were looking for a tutoring service to…read morehelp my grandson maintain his academic progress in a nurturing setting. It's a big bonus that HI IQ (fka Tutor Doctor) is located on the second floor of Manoa Marketplace in Manoa Valley, about a half mile from my grandson's elementary school. After a complimentary assessment my grandson was paired up with a tutor who was a great fit for my grandson. My grandson is on his second tutor after his first tutor returned to the Mainland. Same great level of service, tailored to fit the needs of my grandson. After each session his tutor, Ms. Kim comes out to give me a brief overview of what they covered and how well my grandson was doing during his session. There is a follow-up email that provides more details as to what topics were covered and my grandson's progress. There's also a reminder text that's sent out the day before each tutoring session which I appreciate since I have a full calendar of commitments each week. Please consider supporting this local small business located in picturesque Manoa Valley. Great tutors work here!

    From the owner: Welcome to HI IQ Learning!…read more Voted Best Tutoring by Honolulu Family Magazine for three consecutive years, we’re proud to unveil our fresh new look! Rest assured, the same dedicated tutors, team members, and local management you trust are here to support your child’s journey. At HI IQ Learning, we believe every child has untapped potential waiting to shine. Our comprehensive learning center is designed to nurture that potential through personalized academic support and enriching experiences for students of all ages. At HI IQ Learning, we spark curiosity and ignite potential! We offer, one-on-one tutoring in all core subjects, SAT/SSAT test preparation, comprehensive private school readiness programs, engaging S.T.E.A.M. camps for grades K-6, and small-group enrichment programs! Whether your child needs a boost in challenging subjects, aims to excel in standardized tests, or seeks more academic adventures, we're here to help! Our supportive environment goes beyond traditional classroom learning, building confidence and fostering a love for discovery. HI IQ Learning is here to spark curiosity and ignite potential—your trusted partner in academic success and personal growth.

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    Schedule your FREE academic assessment for students in grades PreK-6! More details on our website, hiiqlearning.com.
    Schedule your FREE academic assessment for students in grades PreK-6! More details on our website, hiiqlearning.com.
    Register for Spring Break S.T.E.A.M. Camp for students in grades K-6! For more details, visit our website hiiqlearning.com!
    Register for Spring Break S.T.E.A.M. Camp for students in grades K-6! For more details, visit our website hiiqlearning.com!
    Week schedule for our 10 week Summer Break STEAM Camp program for students in grades K-1!

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    Week schedule for our 10 week Summer Break STEAM Camp program for students in grades K-1!
    Oahu Art and Tech

    Oahu Art and Tech

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    I have been looking for an art class for my son. My co-worker found this place on IG. She sent me…read morethe profile. I looked through all their post. I knew my son would love this place. I showed him the posts and he told me to sign him up right away. You have to register and pay online through their site. The Art and Tech Sunday Day Camp is perfect for our schedule. The hours are from 9AM-4PM. You can do full or half day. We need a little rest on Sunday's so the 1PM-4PM works out well for us. I'm glad I left a little earlier from Kaneohe to find their location. GPS takes you right there but there is on signage for OAT. I didn't know it was upstairs from all the restaurants. I called the number they have listed on yelp and they let us know to go up stairs. Two of the teachers greeted us at the door. They showed us around and explained what they were going to learn. His first art lesson was with Andy Lee. He is an artist for Marvel, Dragon Ball Z, etc. He was teaching Chinese brush strokes. My son jumped right in and started using the brush. After 2 hours of Art class he went to Tech class where he learned to make a vacuum out of a water bottle , card board and batteries. Yesterday day was his 2nd Sunday and he learned 3D pen art and how to construct a mini elevator/lift. He loves everything about OAT. They also give them a little time to play with big building blocks and robotic toys. He wants me to leave him there from 9AM-4PM so he can learn more. Maybe next session. I'm glad I found this place!!! I'll keep updating and posting vids and pics.

    My sons love here . They have so much fun over here .The teachers are really patience and nice …read more Highly recommended

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    OAT Logo
    OAT Logo
    Oahu Art and Tech
    Oahu Art and Tech

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    Ty Gurney Surf School

    Ty Gurney Surf School

    4.9
    (438 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    Had an amazing experience at Ty Gurney Surf School! Special shoutout to Tyler, James, Kainalu, and…read morethe receptionists for making the experience enjoyable. I booked two-hour lessons, and each session left me with new insights and things to work on. All the instructors were engaged and observant throughout the lessons, providing continuous feedback, encouragement, and helpful tips. Whenever I had questions, they were attentive and took the time to give thorough, detailed answers. It was especially great learning from instructors who clearly enjoy what they do. Their passion and enthusiasm made the lessons even more enjoyable, and I left each session feeling like I had learned something new. Would definitely recommend Ty Gurney Surf School to anyone looking to learn, have fun, and/or make unforgettable memory :-)

    This place had last minute booking options which was so convenient for us as we have a little girl…read moreand didn't think of lessons until the day before. They have easy online booking options and they sent you an email right away to sign a waiver. It's a little hard to find as it's between the Denny's and a parking lot, so just be vigilant while walking. They have a little shop with a receptionist and the instructors. There's a QR code for tipping your instructors which was convenient considering you're so tired after the lesson. I felt comfortable leaving all my stuff in the office (even shoes) as we walked across the street to the beach. My instructor, James, first practiced my footing, head placement, and movement. Then we paddled out, and he held my board the entire time. I got to enjoy the view prop my head on my board and give Ms. America waves even though no one was looking. That alone is worth all the money. James gave me tips and tricks each wave he pushed me in. Telling me to balance more on the right foot, etc. I felt like I had also paid to hang out with someone really cool. The vibes on the break were so chill. Everyone knew each other and were respectful with waves of hello and aloha. This is a must do in Waikiki. The waves were so soft on my beginner board and they have a 99.9% rate of success. James said he was able to help a 84 year old catch and stand up in a wave. Remarkable!!! I caught six waves and it felt incredible. I'm wiped out and exhausted, but so satisfied and excited for my next lesson. What a treat! I highly recommend Ty Gurney- ask for James!!

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    Paddling out
    Paddling out
    Ty Gurney Surf School
    Ty Gurney Surf School

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    Nuuanu Branch YMCA

    Nuuanu Branch YMCA

    3.7
    (124 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    My family's experience with Nuuanu YMCA has been nothing short of amazing. My son started at 5 as a…read moresummer day camper and also participated in A+ at his elementary school which was run by Nuuanu YMCA. He would return every summer and winter break. Then came the swim lessons and culinary camp. Then during Covid he attended day camp so he could do his work while his father and I worked. Financial aid at the YMCA is amazing. I can't even remember how many times the program, including lunch, was all of a sudden free thanks to generous donors. Now 11 yrs later he just completed YMCA college camp. It truly flies by and I couldn't be happier with our ymca experience. Now that he's back from college camp he will finish his summer as a junior leader. I'm so grateful to Nuuanu YMCA for creating such a welcoming, engaging, safe environment for my child at any age.

    After the remodel, the once exclusive Aloha mens locker room is now the primary and only mens…read morelocker. It has all the same amenities: day-use lockers (bring your own lock), unisex sauna, communal showers, bathroom, and a door that leads directly to the pool, everything is just smaller and cozier. I like that there are chairs and stools throughout the locker to sit and rest. It's a very friendly and chatty vibe with a mostly older crowd. It's very nude in the locker room, just a heads up. Guys will brush their teeth at the sink naked as the day they were born! But it's a totally comfortable and judgment-free zone, and you get used to it. The gym is fantastic. All the machines and equipment are in excellent condition. It never gets too crowded. This is a wonderful facility.

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    Posted classes and programs for all age ranges (also available on the YMCA app)!
    Posted classes and programs for all age ranges (also available on the YMCA app)!
    Nuuanu Branch YMCA
    One of the few on the island with an assisted chair to lower you into the pool.

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    One of the few on the island with an assisted chair to lower you into the pool.

    Hawaii Nature Center - educationservices - Updated August 2026

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