In May of 2003 our new Discovery Center opened on the bay front in Hilo, Hawai`i. This 4,000 square foot facility is free to the public and is open Tuesday through Saturday 9AM to 4 PM, excluding Federal Holidays.

The center was constructed to interpret the natural science, culture, and history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and surrounding marine environment. Interactive displays, engaging three-dimensional models, and immersive theater allow the visitor to experience the wonder and majesty of this special ocean region. A 2,500-gallon salt-water aquarium provides a habitat for some of the fishes from the NWHI reefs. Next to the aquarium, in a small alcove is a mock-up of Hawai`i Undersea Research Laboratory's Pisces V submersible. Using working robot arms visitors can experience what it might be like as a researcher descending into the dark depths of the ocean. This exhibit is a major hit with the kids, as well as adults.

Large and colorful graphic panels with interpretive text in both Hawaiian and English introduce the visitor to the NWHI, its geography, cultural history, and ecology. Beautiful photographs from the NWHI are spread throughout the Center and a giant coral reef mural (large image, 536KB) created by Hilo artist Layne Luna covers an entire wall in the main exhibit hall. Layne also created several life-size models of NWHI inhabitants that hang from the ceiling and hide in corners. A giant manta ray swoops down over the entry door as tiger and Galapagos sharks prowl overhead. A large Ulua, or giant trevally swims out of the coral reef mural to feed on Akule or big-eyed scad and in the program room two large Ahi, or yellowfin tuna, explode out of a wall to bite traditional Hawaiian lures being towed behind the double-hulled canoe. The abundant natural life of the NWHI comes alive within the center and the visitor is transported into this remote ocean wilderness where predators still rule the reefs and the skies teem with seabirds.

As the visitor leaves the main exhibit hall they leave the marine environment and enter the sparse land areas of the NWHI where the skies are filled with millions of swooping, screeching birds. Every year millions of seabirds return to these small islands to breed. A lava bench extends from one wall and acts as a mini-theater for people to watch and listen to the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian creation chant, set to images and video. Seabirds swirl overhead, casting their shadows on the walls and in a small alcove a dive bell theater invites visitors to learn about the National Marine Sanctuary system. Opposite the dive bell is large mural of the beach at Laysan Island where tons of marine debris float up every year. Marine debris is a major environmental threat in the NWHI where it entangles marine life and breaks fragile corals. An interpretive panel on the adjacent wall explains the scope of the problem and what NOAA and other partners are doing to address this issue.

Throughout the center multimedia exhibits in video kiosks and on plasma screens invite the visitor to explore the NWHI at their own pace and in their own way. Videos kiosks present the world of the coral reef researcher as well as the conservationist, and a virtual field guide entices visitors to identify the many different plants and animals that inhabit the NWHI.

We hope you have the opportunity to visit our facility and we look forward to seeing you. We also accommodate and welcome school and community groups but ask that you call at least two weeks in advance to reserve a time. To schedule a tour please contact the Discovery Center manager at (808)933-8195.