Science in Waimea

William M. Keck Observatory Headquarters: Located in Waimea town, this modern building is the headquarters for the twin Keck Telescopes on Maunakea. They are the world’s largest optical and infrared scopes. A video and interactive kiosk is the same one as at the summit. Public lectures take place usually one Thurs. evening per month, and tours are available for Hawaii educational groups. (808) 885-7887. www.keckobservatory.org.

Science in Kohala

Pua Mau Place Botanical Garden: The words “Pua Mau” are Hawaiian for “ever-blooming.” This is Hawaii Island’s newest botanical garden, 15 acres for self guided tours—lots of colorful flowers and birds, not to mention some rather amazing sculptures of giant insects! 808-882-0888. www.puamau.com

Science in Hamakua

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: A commercial 40-acre rainforest preserve with more than 2,000 species of tropical plants from around the world. Ferns, palms, heliconia and other beautiful and rare tropical species attract botanists, gardeners and scientists from around the world. 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Papaikou. (808) 964-5233 www.hawaiigarden.com. Papaikou.

World Botanical Gardens: Savor the beauty of our Botanical Gardens; view the spectacular triple-tiered Umauma Falls; and stroll beneath a tropical forest alongside a cascading stream on our peaceful Rainforest walk. Take in panoramic views of the Pacific and of Mauna Kea. www.wbgi.com

Science in Puna

Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center: An excellent collection of Japanese-style miniature tropical trees, and micro-lobsters being raised as aquarium pets. Olaa Rd., Kurtistown. (808) 982-9880 www.fukubonsai.com

Geothermal Energy: The steam created by hot volcanic magma heating underground water can be harnessed and put to use turning turbines that generate electricity. One company, Puna Geothermal Venture, began operating in 1993 and now generates power for more than one-quarter of the Big Island’s electric demand. Personal tours for groups or individuals. (808) 965-6233. www.punageothermalventure.com.

Nani Mau Gardens: A 20-acre commercial garden full of tropical flowers and trees, pools and waterfalls and sun dappled paths. Here are orchids, anthuriums and native Hawaiian plants. Garden is accessible via walkways or tram rides. 421 Makalika St., Hilo. (808) 959-3500

Volcanic Eruption: Your life will never be the same after witnessing molten lava changing our planet. At the coastal end of Chain of Craters Rd. within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (see more info on the park in the Kau section below), you can peer down the coast and often see a billowing plume of steam licked by orange lava flows. Able hikers (in long pants with good walking shoes, each carrying water and a flashlight) may pick their way over the lava to get closer to this amazing sight. But please note, as you read this, the eruption may have paused or moved farther down the coast. Check with the park the day of your trip to get the latest eruption update. Stop at the park visitors center, or call (808) 985-6000, or click on http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/hvostatus.php.

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

Science in Kau

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: With more than 150 miles of hiking trails going through coastal lava plains, lush rainforests and alpine desert—not to mention its own erupting volcano—it’s no wonder that the park has become the state’s most popular attraction. It is also the state’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, one of only 20 in the country. Its 330,000 acres stretch from sea level to the 13,677 foot summit of Maunaloa, the planet’s most massive volcano. Many rare native plants and animals thrive in the park, and it is also the traditional home of the volcano goddess, Pele. To help you learn about the many natural and cultural wonders in the park, there’s the newly renovated visitor’s center, where you can also find out about the many guided hikes and outings, plus the vulcanology exhibits at the Jaggar Museum. And don’t miss the Volcano Art Center, featuring work inspired by the volcano and the surrounding area. (808) 985-6000. www.nps.gov/havo.

Science in Hilo

Imiloa Astronomy Center: Offers two perspectives of the 13,796-foot Maunakea volcano—its sacred cultural significance to Hawaiians, and its importance as the world’s foremost astronomy site. Interactive exhibits include a “walk” through a native forest to an ancient Hawaiian adze quarry near the summit. Also “stargazing” in the large planetarium—an Imax-style movie presentation that makes viewers feel like they’re flying through space. 600 Imiloa Place, University of Hawaii, Hilo. (808) 969-9705 www.imiloahawaii.org

Maunakea: The 13,796-foot summit of “White Mountain” is sacred to Hawaiians, and has the largest collection of powerful astronomical telescopes in the world. The visitors’ center at about 9,000 feet helps you acclimate to the elevation as you learn about the natural and human history of the volcano. Go on your own if you have a 4WD vehicle. Better yet, consider a commercial guided stargazing tour that offers transportation, warm parkas, dinner, access to the summit, expert night-time viewing, and detailed narratives on the history and cultural significance of Maunakea. (808) 933-0734 www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis

Mokupapapa Discovery Center for Hawaii ’s Remote Coral Reefs. Free exhibits reveal the remote 1,200-mile string of atolls and islets that lies north of Kauai, the largest conservation district in the United States. There’s a 2,500-gallon salt water aquarium, life-size fish models, colorful exhibits and graphic panels and multimedia exhibits. Kids will love this place and adults will too. Small but very appealing. 308 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo. (808) 933-8195.
http://www.hawaiireef.noaa.gov/education/center.html