The Mokupapapa Discovery Center Tops Our Hawaii Travel List

It’s no secret that the waters off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands are teeming with incredible sea life and reefs just waiting to be explored. But not everyone feels comfortable snorkeling, and even fewer are scuba certified. Whale watching tours are great, and seeing a sea turtle lounging on the beach is truly incredible, but sometimes you want to get up close and personal with the sea life that lives in the waters surrounding the Aloha State — especially the remote northwestern Hawaiian Islands most people will never get to visit for themselves. To discover this unique reef system, head on over to the often overlooked Mokupapapa Discovery Center.

Found inside a renovated century-old building in downtown Hilo, this educational facility is focused on teaching visitors all about the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, particularly, the remote coral reef system that spans the northwestern island that most people will never see in person. This area is known as the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and it is absolutely fascinating.

Adam Braun/Google

Papahanaumokuakea, which was established in 2006 by President George W. Bush, was larger than all of America’s national parks combined. In August 2016, the conservation area’s coverage was quadrupled — from 139,797 square miles to 528,578 square miles — by way of a declaration by former President Barack Obama. The marine national monument is now almost four times the size of California, twice the size of Texas, and nearly as large as Alaska.

K. Curry/Google

The monument is meant to protect more than 7,000 marine species, including federally-protected monk seals, sea turtles, whales, and black coral — the longest-living marine species on earth.

Sean Mahoney/Google

A quarter of these species are only found in the reefs surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. In addition to being home to a variety of marine life, Papahanaumokuakea contains resources of vast cultural and historical significance.

Jenny/TripAdvisor

Established in 2003 to interpret the natural science, culture, and history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and the surrounding marine environment, the Mokupapapa Discovery Center is as educational as it is fun.

Brian Black/Google

Most people will never have the opportunity to visit these remote islands, and this attraction allows this region to come alive as never before, transporting visitors to “this remote ocean wilderness where predators rule the reefs, the skies teem with swooping, screeching seabirds, and the Native Hawaiian chanting of the Kumulipo (a Hawaiian creation chant) sets the mood for exploration and learning.”

Nathan Rhea/Google

The crowned jewel of the Mokupapapa Discovery Center is a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium home to hundreds of native fish.

management/TripAdvisor

Housed in the stately, century-old Koehnen Building — with gleaming Hawaiian hardwood floors and an impressive koa wood staircase — you will also discover the sounds of Hawaiian chants and seabirds, interactive educational displays, a giant mural by local artist Layne Luna, a life-size Hawaiian monk seal exhibit, and more.

Michael Datuin/Google

What are you waiting for? Kids and adults alike will love visiting this unique ocean discovery center, and it absolutely belongs on your Hilo or Hawaii Island itinerary. After all, it’s free!

Joe Cole/Google

The Mokupapapa Discovery Center is located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, HI 96720, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, visit their website.