Mokupapapa Discovery Center

The Mokupapapa Discovery Center is a free museum and educational facility located in downtown Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. It serves as the visitor center for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. The center features immersive exhibits that showcase the unique ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural significance of the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Highlights include a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium teeming with native fish and coral, life-sized models of monk seals and sea turtles, and interactive displays on Hawaiian navigation and voyaging. Visitors can learn about the region's geology, from volcanic atolls to deep-sea mountains, and the ongoing scientific research and conservation efforts. The center also honors Native Hawaiian traditions, with exhibits on the spiritual connection between the islands and the people. A visit here provides a comprehensive understanding of one of Earth's most pristine and protected environments.

Don't miss

• Large saltwater aquarium with live coral, reef fish, and sharks
• Life-sized models of Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles
• Interactive map showing the chain of atolls and their Hawaiian names
• Exhibits on traditional Hawaiian wayfinding and double-hulled canoes
• Short films about the monument's wildlife and conservation

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Mokupapapa Discovery Center

Cheapest way inPearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial Tour from Waikiki4.5★ · 5,878 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$55 per personSee dates →Best full dayHilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach4.8★ · 2,866 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$169 per personSee dates →Top ratedHawaii Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Beaches & Hilo Highlights Day Tour5★ · 542 travelers6–7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$187 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Photography is allowed, but no flash near the aquarium to avoid stressing the fish.
• The center is family-friendly with hands-on activities for children.
• No food or drinks inside the exhibit area, but there are benches outside.
• Combine your visit with a walk along Hilo Bay or a trip to the nearby Pacific Tsunami Museum.

A bit of history

The center opened in 2003 as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to interpret the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, established in 2006. It is named after the Hawaiian monk seal (Mokupapapa) and serves as a gateway to the monument.