Find a factory to tour for fun and learning!

Hawaii factories to visit and tour

Hawaii has factories to visit and tour. Below, first are the active, working factories. The next section has historical operations which often have demonstrations or renactments. These incluse both large and small operations, from several person chocolate factories and cheesemakers to large manufacturers making paper towels, wood products, beverage cans and bottles, are open to the public with real tours, exhibitions and fun education.

In some cases, such as a manufacturing process that is no longer in use, the only way to see it and learn about it is a museum or living history center. So, we also provide information about engineering facilities and museums, dinosaur digs, even government facilities, like NASA, astronomy oberservatories and more that are open to the public on certain days and times. And if there is some place that is just plain fun to visit, we add that, too!

These are perfect for homeschooling, for STEM and for fun! Kids love visiting these places! They're learning and getting an education without even realizing it. And most of these are either free or under $10! What's better then fun, entertaining, good for children and families, educational and free?

Here are some of the top factory tours in Hawaii and contact information and tips about visiting them.

Factories, Engineering, Museums and other fun demonstrations and exhibits to visit in Hawaii

  1. Kamaka Ukulele Factory - musical instrument factory
    550 South Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: 808-531-3165. Open: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. A free guided tour of the Kamaka factory is given every Tuesday - Friday at 10:30 am for family-sized groups. Large groups (more than 5) and school-supervised groups must schedule special tours in advance by calling (808) 531-3165. The tour usually lasts about 45-60 minutes.
    A family-owned and operated business for over 100 years,
  2. Kilohana Plantation. - Amazing tours of the pineapple plantation, train rides, shops, luau, weddings,
    3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766. Phone: 808-245-5608. Email: train@kilohanakauai.com. Open: see their website. They have conductor narrated train tours of the historic 105 acre Kilohana Plantation. The 2.5-mile rail line passes stands of original island crops like sugarcane and taro - the staple of ancient Hawaiians. You will also pass groves of mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, and then on to experimental plantings of longan, cashew, hybrid mango, noni, and atamoya. Well out into the heart of the plantation you get to disembark to spend some time feeding the pigs, goats, sheep, and our friendly donkey Stiney. Bring the whole family, It’s fun for all ages.
    On the Kauai Rum Safari you’ll be taken around our lush plantation where we’ll show you exotic plants, our fruit and vegetable orchards, and many more beautiful sites.
    Join us for a 2-hour guided Rum Safari of the beautiful 105 acres Kilohana Plantation. Here you will sip on Koloa Rum, enjoy our signature Mai Tai, meet and interact with our Farm animals, and have a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown right here on the plantation. Kilohana Plantation facebook page.
  3. Lydgate Farms - Kauai Chocolate tours
    5730 Olohena Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746. Phone: 808-821-1857. Email: info@lydgatefarms.com. Open: See their website. Tour where the cacao beans are grown. Kauai Chocolate Tour and Tasting, Safe, Outside and Fun! Three Hour Tour - prices posted on February 13, 2023 - obviously subject to change, were Adults $125, Children $95. their famous chocolate farm tour, the first of its kind on Kaua’i, is enjoyable and educational, held rain or shine. A three-hour guided tour begins with a stroll through our botanical gardens, where you sample our award-winning palm-blossom honey, experience our vanilla beans, and do an extensive tropical fruit tasting. At Lydgate Farms, formerly Steelgrass Farm, learn all about Theobroma Cacao the chocolate tree and taste its ripe fruit, learn the secrets of turning raw cacao seeds into finished chocolate, and discover the amazing health benefits of chocolate. Lydgate Farms facebook page. (ADDED: February 13, 2023, JBS)
  4. Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory - guided plantation tours of a working cacao plantation
    78-6772 Makenawai Street, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740. Phone: 888-447-2626. Email: info@ohcf.us. Open: guided plantation tours on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00am and 11:00am. Enjoy a scenic walking tour of our cacao orchard and sample our delicious milk, dark and rare criollo chocolates. Bob conducts a fabulous tour full of information about every step in the chocolate-making process - from growing the trees to molding each handmade, delicious bar. OHCF is an active working plantation and advance and confirmed reservations are required for all tours. We are located in the Keauhou area of Kona. The cost in 2023 is $25 per person, $10 for children aged 6-12 and children under 5 are free. Once your reservation is confirmed, they
    will provide you with directions to the farm. Please be sure to use the directions provided on the OHCF website. Please arrive 15 minutes before tour time. In consideration of all our guests, they
    do strive to start each tour on time.

Hawaii Historical Forts, Federal facilities, Fossils, Volcanic sites, Famous buildings

State historic sites and parks

These are state-run parks, museums and historic sites that present the history of some manufacturing process, industry, or living settlement

The Hawai'i State Park System is composed of 50 parks encompassing approximately 30,000 acres on five major islands. These parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities. These parks offer varied outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities.

Hawaii Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

The Hawaii climate is tropical, with a hot season from June to October (called kau in the Hawaiian language) and a relatively cool season (hooilo) from December to March. Of course, on the top of the mountains it can be cold in the summer. And one side of a mountain or island may be deluged by rain, while the other side is arid.

Camping in Hawaii

If you're looking to save money on your trip, camping may be a fun alternative to hotels and motels, especially, if you already have the gear, or are looking to get some. BTW, this websites ( https://RoadTrippingAndCamping.com ) explains everything you need to know about camping gear and where to the best gear at the lowest prices.

Camping in Hawaii's Forest Reserves is usually in remote, mountainous locations, providing a wilderness experience and often privacy. Campsites are for those who enjoy "roughing it"; they are accessed by hiking or 4WD and have few or no amenities. Check site details closely to ensure you are informed and have everything you need before heading out. Weather conditions can be variable and stream hazards may be present.

Get Hawaii State Parks Camping reservations here.

You must PURCHASE and PRINT a copy of your permit in advance and have it in your possession while camping, lodging within any park or Forest Reserve or occupying the pavilion you have rented. Permits may ONLY be purchased online or in person at District Offices. They are NOT available at the camping locations or pavilion site. ALL PERMITS REQUIRE A FEE - THERE IS NO FREE CAMPING IN HAWAII STATE PARKS OR FOREST RESERVES.

There are both state parks and private campgrounds in Hawaii.