Warm up with tropical thoughts at the California Academy of Sciences, which is showcasing the cultural and natural treasures of Hawaii over two weekends in March. Both weekends include storytelling, lei-making with paper flowers, and entertainment by Halau O Keikialii. More details listed below. Visitors can also enter to win a trip for two to Hawaii, courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines and Hilton Waikoloa Village.

March 5 and 6
Escape to Kauai and Hawaii Island this weekend and learn about one of the world’s rarest and most valued shells – the Niihau Shell – and also hear about the fascinating history and geology of Hawaii Island, including the restoration of an ancient ahupuaa land system used by Hawaiians hundreds of years ago. And ever wonder how the ancient Polynesians used nothing but the stars without instruments to navigate across the Pacific Ocean on their canoes? Learn more about celestial navigation from James “Kimo” Lyman, a navigator who sailed aboard the famous Hokulea.

March 12 and 13
Celebrating Hawaii’s ocean and unique marine life, the islands of Oahu and Maui visit this weekend with two naturalists from the Maui Ocean Center to share a deeper look at the endemic marine life only found in the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii author Marion Lyman-Mersereau, who wrote the book “Eddie Wen’ Go,” talks about the science behind navigating by the stars and shares personal stories about sailing aboard the voyaging canoe Hokulea with Eddie Aikau, one of Hawaii’s most revered watermen.

The museum is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. For more information, click here.