Waikiki Aquarium
There are so many wonderful things to see, do and experience in Waikiki, many visitors do not realize that there is also a world class aquarium located here as well. Visitors to the Waikiki Aquarium learn about the unique aquatic life found throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the tropical Pacific. With over 350 species of aquatic animals and plant, including Hawaii’s State Fish the humuhumunukunukuapua’a the tiny fish with the big name. Monk seals, giant clams,lobsters,eels, sea jellys and when I was last there NEMO – Peppermint Angelfish , was the one of its kind available for viewing in a pubic aquarium, it was so cute to here the children say “Oh look mommy, it’s Nemo”, also housed in the Aquarium Jewels -area of the aquarium was Abe’s Angelfish -the rarest of the aquarium’s unique species, and the only one of its kind in captivity worldwide. So for these two displays alone, the aquarium should be very proud, but there is so much more to see and experience.
Giant Clams
Since it opened on March 19th, 1904 the Waikiki Aquarium has a long history and is the third oldest aquarium in the United States, the original concept to show the world the riches of Hawaii’s reefs. Through strategic partnerships with such partners as NOAA Pacific Islands Regions, NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Na Pua No’eau Center for gifted and talented native Hawaiian Children and the University of Hawaii at Manoa just to name a few, the goal is to increase the Aquariums own research activities and community educational outreach. Several special projects are planned to continue the celebration of the 100 years+ of the Aquariums existence. Through a program of gradual renewal, renovations and replacements along with the implementation of available inter-active technology today, the Aquarium is well on her way of attracting the interest of children for generations to come.
Wide eyed wonder!
I strongly suggest that if families are visiting Oahu, to visit the Aquarium website to play online games and to check out upcoming events and displays that might be going on during your visit. I think that showing children these vast displays of aquatic life is a wonderful teachable moment about why it is so important to protect the ocean. Check out the new Critter Cam watch Ho’ailona (one of the resident Hawaiian monk seals) play in the monk seal habitat.
The Aquarium is located :
2777 Kalakaua Avenue, on the shoreline of Kapi’olani Park
The Waikiki Aquarium can also be reached by TheBus (Route 19 or 20), and Waikiki Trolley’s Green Line
Regular Hours: 900am – 400pm daily ( the facility closes at 500pm )
Closed on Honolulu Marathon Day (Dec 8th, 2013) and Christmas Day
Admission includes a free Audio Tour Wand – General admission is $9 / but discounts for Military,Students,Children and others are offered as well.
There is also a list of reciprocal institutions for which they offer discounted or free admission, check the website for full list and details.
Contact Linda Dancer Hawaii Master Destination Specialist – Direct Line 931-337-0770 Email [email protected]
Always remember the best way to enjoy your visit to the Islands of Hawaii is to get out and explore !
