ZooHawaii, US

Sea Life Park Hawaii

Sea Life Park Hawaii offers unforgettable encounters with marine life in a stunning oceanfront setting.

About

Sea Life Park Hawaii offers unforgettable encounters with marine life in a stunning oceanfront setting.

Nestled on Oahu's scenic Waimānalo coastline, Sea Life Park Hawaii is a unique marine mammal park, bird sanctuary, and aquarium that captivates visitors with its vibrant animal residents and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Koʻolau Mountains. It's a place where education and entertainment merge, inspiring guests of all ages to connect with Hawaii's rich marine ecosystem and learn about crucial conservation efforts. From playful dolphins to majestic sharks and the park's vital green sea turtle breeding program, every corner promises a glimpse into the underwater world.

The park boasts a diverse array of exhibits and interactive programs designed to bring guests closer to marine life. Highlights include the Dolphin Lagoon, where bottlenose dolphins demonstrate their intelligence in engaging shows, and the Penguin Habitat, home to charming Humboldt penguins. Visitors can also marvel at Hawaiian green sea turtles in their dedicated habitat, meet the beloved Hawaiian Monk Seals like Kekoa, and observe various sharks and tropical fish in the impressive Shark Cave and Hawaiian Reef Lagoon. The Hale Manu Bird Aviary offers a chance to feed friendly cockatiels and lovebirds, while the Sea Bird Sanctuary showcases rehabilitated native marine birds.

A visit to Sea Life Park Hawaii is an immersive experience, offering not just animal viewing but also opportunities for hands-on interaction and learning. Whether it's swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with reef sharks, or simply enjoying the educational talks, the park fosters a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation. Combined with its stunning natural backdrop and the option to attend an authentic Aloha Kai Luau, Sea Life Park provides a memorable and enriching day out for anyone seeking to explore the wonders of Hawaii's marine environment. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

Sea Life Park Hawaii first opened its gates in 1964, originally conceived as a shark research facility. Over the decades, it evolved into a popular marine life and entertainment park, delighting millions of visitors with its unique animal collection and educational programs. The park has experienced changes in ownership, being acquired by Dolphin Discovery in 2005 and subsequently by Palace Entertainment in 2008. In early 2025, Sea Life Park Hawaii was sold to Herschend, continuing its legacy as a prominent attraction dedicated to marine conservation, preservation, and education. Since its inception, the park has significantly contributed to marine research, the rescue and rehabilitation of seabirds, and notably, the release of over 17,000 green sea turtle hatchlings into Hawaiian waters.

What to do here

Engage in educational presentations, witness animal feedings, and explore various habitats like the Hawaiian Reef Lagoon and the Discovery Reef Pool, where you can see sea stars, urchins, and baby sea turtles. For an immersive experience, consider booking an animal encounter such as Dolphin Exploration (deep-water swim), Dolphin Encounter (waist-deep interaction), Dolphin Aloha (dry-land interaction), Sea Lion Encounter, or Shark Snorkel (swimming with whitetip reef sharks and fish). Finish your day with the traditional Aloha Kai Luau for an evening of Hawaiian culture and entertainment.

Seasonal info

The park operates daily, typically from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may be closed on Tuesdays depending on the season. Always check the official website for current operating hours and potential weather impacts before your visit. Special family-oriented events often occur during summer, and spring brings programs focused on seasonal marine life and conservation.

Accessibility

Sea Life Park Hawaii is generally ADA accessible, including the luau grounds. Strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons are welcome throughout the park.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Most families spend about 3–4 hours to see the park highlights and catch a few shows and talks. If participating in animal encounters or combining your visit with the Aloha Kai Luau, plan for a longer stay. It is possible to see everything in 90 minutes to two hours if moving at a faster pace.
Best time to visit: Mornings are generally recommended to explore before the midday heat builds up, especially as many events are outdoors. For fewer crowds, consider visiting during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Summer (June to August) offers warm, dry, beach-friendly weather, but expect more visitors. Winter months might offer special whale-related programs as humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters.
Location: Hawaii, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With Children Of All AgesMarine Life Enthusiasts And Nature LoversCouples Seeking Unique Interactive ExperiencesEducational Trips And Conservation Advocates

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Don't miss the interactive Dolphin shows at Dolphin Lagoon, featuring bottlenose dolphins. Catch the engaging sea lion shows and educational talks about Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu), Hawaiian Monk Seals (Kekoa), and Humboldt Penguins. The Shark Cave provides an exciting view of various shark species, including whitetip reef sharks, during feeding times. The Hale Manu Bird Aviary allows for close encounters with cockatiels and lovebirds.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

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Snap map for this place

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Good to know before you go

Book Animal Encounters in Advance

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular interactive programs like swimming with dolphins or the shark snorkel, as they often sell out.

Arrive Early for Programs

If you have scheduled animal encounters, arrive at least 60 minutes beforehand to allow time for parking, check-in, waivers, and program-specific instructions.

Go Cashless

Be prepared for a cashless environment. Bring your credit/debit cards or mobile payment options. If you only have cash, use the Cash-to-Card kiosks upon arrival.

Protect Yourself and the Animals

Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and plenty of reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen, as many areas are outdoors. For animal encounters, remove all jewelry and loose items to ensure the safety of the animals.

Utilize Lockers

Lockers are available for rent ($6 per day) to store valuables while you explore or participate in activities, as the park is not responsible for lost items.

Consider the Aloha Kai Luau

For a full day experience, combine your park visit with the Aloha Kai Luau in the evening, which often includes park admission.

Frequently asked questions

: Guests are asked to refrain from bringing alcoholic beverages and outside food into Sea Life Park for safety and policy reasons.
: Most visitors spend about 3 to 4 hours enjoying the park's main attractions, shows, and educational talks. If you plan to participate in an animal encounter or attend the Aloha Kai Luau, you should allocate more time, potentially a full day.