Founded in 1989,[1] the 38,000 sq ft (3,500 m2) museum receives over 200,000 visits from children and their families every year.

It is a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status, and a member of the Association of Children's Museums.

[2] Hawaii Children's Discovery Center opened as Hawaii Children’s Museum of Art, Culture, Science and Technology[1] in December 1989[3] at a 5,000 sq ft (460 m2) storefront location at the Dole Food Company cannery in Honolulu's Iwilei industrial neighborhood.

[4] To prepare the site, which had been abandoned since 1977 when the incinerator could not satisfy higher air pollution standards,[6] the HCDA spent $2 million USD gutting the incinerator, removing lead and asbestos, oil tanks and furnaces and stabilizing the structure according to current building code.

[8] Its six fixed exhibits provide an environment that encourages children to use their senses to gain a better understanding of the world around them: Hawaii Children's Discovery Center hosts a variety of themed programs: Hawaii Children's Discovery Center is supported through member contributions, sponsorships, foundation and federal grants, and the support of generous individuals.