Working in Big Island real estate comes with many perks. But one of the best parts of my job is interacting with the local community.
That’s why I’m happy to help sponsor the newest addition to Kona’s vibrant community: the Hawai’i Keiki Museum.
About the Museum
The Big Island is home to an active volcano, so it’s no surprise that island residents have a passion for science. The Hawai’i Keiki Museum endeavors to share this enthusiasm for exploration and engineering with the littlest locals.
Keiki is the Hawaiian word for child. And this museum is for the children.
A science discovery center, the museum innovates STEM education with interactive learning opportunities.
Museum founder and CEO Dana McLaughlin has years of experience combining technology and early child development. She’s worked as a technology program manager for Walt Disney, Yahoo!, and Apple. So we feel confident that the kids of Kona are getting the best.
Located at the Kona International Marketplace, the museum will have its Grand Opening on October 10, 2022. (Sign up for the museum’s newsletter to stay up to date.)
A Worthy Endeavor
The Hawai’i Keiki Museum welcomes children of all ages and abilities. McLaughlin hopes it will encourage kids to take an active interest in STEM issues and activities.
Current museum plans feature many hands-on learning opportunities such as a chalk play area and several bubble-making stations.
There will also be exhibits that use interactive demonstrations to teach kids about gravity, magnetic force, as well as dams and waterways.
The museum hasn’t even opened yet, but they’re already supporting the Kona community. This summer, the museum partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. During this 5 week summer session, the keiki learned about the science of recycling. And that’s just the beginning.
Designing a museum specifically for the keiki will help them explore topics important to the Big Island from climate protection to ocean health research. With any luck, this new museum will help encourage kids to become leaders in STEM industries.
Ways to Support the Museum
The museum is still under construction, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to get involved.
Visit the museum’s gift shop to find the perfect science-themed toy for curious kids. Every purchase helps support the creation of future exhibits. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse for a sneak peak at the exhibits currently in progress.
There are also many opportunities to partner and volunteer with the museum. And yes, you can sponsor an exhibit or make a monetary donation. (The Hawai’i Keiki Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.)
Also make sure you subscribe to their YouTube channel where you can learn about the engineering behind building a science museum.
Join the Community
The Hawai’i Keiki Museum opens in just over a month. So whether you have a curious keiki or are a kid at heart, visit the museum at 74-5533 Luhia St. Unit D in Kailua-Kona.
While you’re in the area, let’s connect and figure out how to make you the next addition to the Kona community.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.