A Family Favorite: Discovering the Waikīkī Aquarium in Honolulu

If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and air-conditioned way to explore Hawaiʻi’s marine life, the Waikīkī Aquarium is a must-visit. It’s one of our family’s favorite spots on Oʻahu, especially when we’re spending time in the Waikīkī area. My son is obsessed with the sharks. My daughter could spend hours admiring the magical seahorses. There’s truly something for everyone here, and its cozy size makes it perfect for families with young kids who might not last long in a larger venue. Located just across from Kapiʻolani Park and steps from the beach, this Honolulu aquarium in Waikīkī is a convenient stop for travelers, especially those with kids in tow.

The Waikīkī Aquarium is constructed alongside a living coral reef, emphasizing its focus on showcasing Pacific marine life. Here’s everything you need to know before you make your way there.

Overview

The Waikīkī Aquarium is an excellent destination for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant marine life of the Pacific Ocean. Nestled on the scenic shores of O’ahu, Hawai’i, this aquarium is home to over 3,500 marine animals representing 490 species, including a dazzling array of fish, invertebrates, and marine plants. With a strong emphasis on conservation and education, the Waikīkī Aquarium offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the importance of marine conservation and witness the incredible diversity of marine life that thrives in the Pacific.

A Look Back: History of the Waikīkī Aquarium

The Waikīkī Aquarium is more than just a place to see beautiful marine life—it’s a piece of history. Opened in 1904, it’s the second oldest public aquarium in the United States. Originally operated by the Honolulu Rapid Transit and Land Company, the aquarium was meant to draw visitors to the newly developed Waikīkī area.

Over the years, the aquarium has evolved into a leader in marine research and conservation. Since 1919, it has been managed by the University of Hawaiʻi, giving it a strong educational focus. It was also the first aquarium to keep and breed many Pacific marine species, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The aquarium has evolved to showcase Hawaiian marine communities, illustrating the distinct marine life and ecological features of the region.

The aquarium sits right on the shoreline, allowing it to use fresh seawater directly from the ocean. This unique feature keeps its coral reef exhibits healthy and thriving. Thanks to its ongoing scientific work and community outreach, the Waikīkī Aquarium is a respected voice in marine education across the Pacific.

Easy to Access and Close to Everything

Since the aquarium is just a short walk from most Waikīkī hotels, you won’t need to stress about transportation. If you’re driving, there is a small lot in front of the aquarium, as well as metered parking available right outside the entrance on Kalākaua Avenue and around Kapiʻolani Park. It usually isn’t too tough to find a spot, especially in the morning. Try arriving right when the Waikīkī Aquarium hours begin at 9 a.m. to beat the crowds.

What to Expect Inside the Waikīkī Aquarium: South Pacific Marine Communities

The Waikīkī Aquarium is home to over 3,500 marine animals. Even though it’s smaller than some mainland aquariums, the sea exhibit experience feels intimate and incredibly well-curated. You’ll journey through several themed galleries, including:

• Living Reef Exhibit — One of the world’s largest collections of living Pacific corals, including table corals. It’s vibrant, colorful, and so mesmerizing.
• Edge of the Reef — A hands-on touch pool where kids (and adults!) can interact with sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and more.
• Jellies and Seahorses — Ethereal and dreamy, featuring mesmerizing jelly fish.
• Sea Dragons Exhibit — Showcasing the stunning beauty and unique characteristics of sea dragons, enhancing visitors’ understanding and appreciation of marine life.
• Hawaiian Monk Seal Habitat — The resident monk seal is always a highlight. Kids love watching him glide through the water or bask in the sun. Unfortunately, this habitat is temporarily closed.

Throughout the year, the aquarium hosts various events like keiki (children’s) craft days, marine life conservation talks, and twilight tours. Check out their official events page for the latest updates.

“The Waikīkī Aquarium is such a gem! Loved the jellyfish display. Peaceful, beautiful, and fun for our toddler.” — @kelseytravels808 on Instagram

Marine Life and Conservation

The Waikīkī Aquarium is dedicated to promoting the conservation of Pacific marine life and the preservation of coral reefs. As you wander through its exhibits, you’ll encounter a stunning variety of marine species, from colorful tropical fish and graceful sea turtles to the awe-inspiring giant clams. The Waikīkī Aquarium’s giant clams are particularly impressive, with some specimens growing to over three feet in length, showcasing the remarkable scale of these fascinating creatures.

A standout feature of the aquarium is its coral farm, a vital part of its conservation efforts. Here, the focus is on promoting coral growth and aiding the restoration of damaged reefs. The exhibits also highlight the incredible diversity of marine life found in the Pacific, including species from the South Pacific marine communities and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Committed to supporting conservation initiatives and promoting sustainability, the Waikīkī Aquarium offers a range of educational programs and activities to help visitors understand the critical importance of marine conservation.

Educational Programs and Activities

The Waikīkī Aquarium offers a wealth of educational programs and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. From interactive exhibits and guided tours to hands-on activities, the aquarium provides a unique platform to learn about the marine life of the Pacific Ocean. The educational programs are centered around themes of conservation and sustainability, covering topics such as marine biology, coral reefs, and the diverse sea life that inhabits our oceans.

Visitors can also explore the aquarium’s gift shop, which features a delightful selection of marine-themed gifts and souvenirs. Additionally, the coral farm is open to visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into the processes of coral growth and reef restoration. With its strong focus on education and conservation, the Waikīkī Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about marine life and the preservation of our ocean ecosystems.

Waikīkī Aquarium Tickets and Admission Tips

Planning ahead helps. Here’s what to know about Waikīkī Aquarium admission:

• Adults: $12
• Children (4-12) and seniors (65+): $5
• Children 3 and under: Free
• Military and Hawai’i residents: $8

You can buy Waikīkī Aquarium tickets on-site or online through the aquarium website. Members get in free, and reciprocal zoo or science center memberships might score you a discount.

“Super affordable family fun in Waikīkī. Worth every penny!” — @islandmomohana on Twitter

Tips for Visiting the Aquarium Waikīkī: Living Coral Reef

• Bring water and snacks (but eat outside) — There’s no café inside, so pack light refreshments and enjoy a picnic at nearby Kapiʻolani Park.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen — Even though most of your time is indoors, outdoor exhibits are exposed.
• Plan for a little over an hour — The aquarium isn’t large, and an hour is usually plenty of time to explore everything without feeling rushed.

Photography Tips: How to Capture Your Aquarium Adventure with Waikiki Aquarium

Taking photos inside aquariums can be tricky with all the glass and low lighting. But with a few simple tricks, you can bring home beautiful memories:

• Turn off your flash to avoid glare.
• Get close to the glass to reduce reflections.
• Use burst mode when photographing moving sea creatures like sharks.
• Bring a lens cloth to clean your phone or camera lens.
• Early visits = better lighting and fewer people in your shots.

“Took the best photos of our kids with the coral reef tanks. Lighting was dreamy!” — @explorehawaiifamily on Facebook

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do

After your visit, you can easily make a day of it with these nearby activities:

• Stroll through Kapiʻolani Park
• Visit the Honolulu Zoo
• Walk along Waikīkī Beach
• Hike up to Lēʻahi (Diamond Head)

Plan Your Visit: Waikīkī Aquarium Hours and Details

Here’s the basic info you need before you go:

• Waikīkī Aquarium hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Address: 2777 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
• Directions and Map

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the Waikīkī Aquarium offers a deep dive into Hawaiʻi’s unique marine life. It’s an educational and relaxing stop that’s especially great for families. And if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll be begging to go back.

So pack your camera, bring your curiosity, and get ready to explore one of the oldest aquariums in the United States—right in the heart of Waikīkī.