Learning Adventures

Science in Kona

Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden: This often-overlooked 15-acre garden in Captain Cook showcases 250 types of plants that nourished early Hawaiians and treated their ailments. You’ll see various plant and tree species from the coastal zone, through the lowland forest to upland forests that still grow in the Islands today. Guided and self-guided tours available. (808) 323-3318. www.bishopmuseum.org/exhibits/greenwell/greenwell.html

Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center: Located at the Kona International Airport, this excellent educational facility is dedicated to the memory of astronaut Ellison Onizuka of Kona, who perished aboard the Challenger Mission in 1986. The center has fun, interactive space-related exhibits, films, even lunar rocks and an Apollo 13 space suit. There’s a 45-seat theater, library and store. A guaranteed hit with kids. (808) 329-3441.
www.hawaiimuseums.org

Greenwell Farms: Founded in 1850, Greenwell Farms is still making Kona coffee. You can see how these treasured beans are grown, processed and packaged at the Greenwell Farm tour. Tel 888-592-5662/(808) 323-2275. www.greenwellfarms.com

Kahaluu Beach Park: This county park is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, thanks to easy access and normally clear, shallow waters. Vendors by the parking lot usually sell plastic fish identification cards that you can take with you into the water.

Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority and the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park: This center is both an innovation focal point for ocean science and commerce and a cutting-edge laboratory for the development of alternate and renewable energy resources, harnessing sunlight and cold and warm ocean waters. Here you can also learn about experimental and commercial ventures farming black pearls, seahorses, lobsters micro-algae and more. Check in at the futuristic-looking and energy self-sufficient Gateway Energy Center just off the highway. (808) 329-8073. www.keaholepoint.org.

Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort: Learn about whales, coral reefs and marine sanctuaries in the Outrigger Keauhou’s lobby. Films produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are shown daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a plasma screen TV. There’s also a Humpback Whale Information Kiosk with a whale-tail-shaped touch-screen computer. These resources at the Outrigger Keauhou, free to the public, represent a first-of-its-kind partnership between NOAA and a hotelier. Similar NOAA displays will be installed at other Outrigger Hotels and Resorts throughout Hawaii. (808) 322-3441. www.outriggerkeauhoubeachhotel.com