ZooHawaii, US

Waikiki Aquarium

The Waikiki Aquarium offers an intimate look into the vibrant marine life of Hawaii and the Pacific.

About

The Waikiki Aquarium offers an intimate look into the vibrant marine life of Hawaii and the Pacific. Established in 1904, it is the second-oldest public aquarium in the United States, providing a unique blend of history, education, and conservation. Built beside a living coral reef on the Waikiki shoreline, this oceanfront gem showcases over 3,500 marine animals from 490 species, many of which are native to Hawaiian waters.

Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, from the colorful Living Reef Exhibit, one of the world's largest collections of living Pacific corals, to the mesmerizing Jellyfish Exhibit where ethereal "ocean drifters" captivate. Don't miss the Amazing Adaptations gallery, home to graceful seahorses, seadragons, and pipefishes, or the impactful Hawaiian Monk Seal Habitat featuring rescued, endangered monk seals like Hoʻailona and Maka Onaona. The Edge of the Reef outdoor exhibit even offers a hands-on touch pool experience with sea cucumbers and urchins.

This compact yet comprehensive aquarium provides an engaging and accessible experience, making it a memorable stop for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate the delicate balance of the Pacific's underwater world. Its strong emphasis on conservation and research, coupled with interactive displays, fosters a deep connection to marine ecosystems, inspiring visitors of all ages to become stewards of the ocean. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The Waikiki Aquarium was established on March 19, 1904, originally known as the Honolulu Aquarium. It was founded by the Honolulu Rapid Transit and Land Company with the purpose of enticing travelers to ride their trolley to the end of the line at Queen Kapiʻolani Park, showcasing the rich marine life of Hawaii's reefs. The aquarium opened with 35 tanks housing about 400 marine organisms, and during its first year, biologist David Starr Jordan praised it for having the finest collection of fish in the world. In 1919, the aquarium became an institution of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, solidifying its role in marine research and education. The aquarium moved to its current location in 1955, about 200 yards south of its original site, and was renamed the Waikiki Aquarium. Over the decades, it has been a pioneer in displaying living Pacific corals (since 1978) and successfully keeping and breeding the chambered nautilus, further cementing its reputation as a leader in marine science and conservation.

What to do here

Engage with interactive displays, watch daily feedings (check schedules), and explore the outdoor areas with views of the Pacific. Consider taking a Behind the Scenes tour if available for a deeper look into animal care. Don't miss the Hawaiian state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, in its colorful habitat.

Seasonal info

The aquarium is open year-round, except for Christmas Day and Honolulu Marathon Day. Hawaii's tropical climate means warm weather throughout the year, making it a good activity for any season.

Accessibility

The Waikiki Aquarium is designed to be fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that visitors using mobility aids can enjoy all exhibits. Paved pathways facilitate easy navigation.

Don't miss

Living Reef Exhibit

An immersive Hawaiian coral reef ecosystem showcasing over 100 species of fish and 200 types of coral found in Hawaiian waters within a 60,000-gallon tank.

Hawaiian Monk Seal Habitat

Home to critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals like Hoʻailona, providing an opportunity to observe these rare marine mammals. (Note: The Monk Seal Habitat may occasionally be closed for renovations or research, so it's advisable to check the website.)

Amazing Adaptations Gallery

A 60-foot-long gallery featuring a diverse collection of seahorses, seadragons, and pipefishes, highlighting how ocean animals have evolved to thrive in their unique environments.

Edge of the Reef / Touch Pool

An outdoor 7,500-gallon exhibit allowing visitors to interact with sea cucumbers, starfish, and urchins.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Rock Pigeon

Brown Anole

House Sparrow

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early

Visit right at opening (9:00 AM) to avoid crowds and have a better chance at securing parking.

Bring Snacks and Water

There is no cafe inside the aquarium, but visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy outside.

Utilize Public Transport or Walk

If staying in Waikiki, consider walking or taking TheBus (Routes 14, 19, 20, 22) or the Waikiki Trolley (Green Line) to avoid parking hassles.

Engage with the Touch Pool

Don't miss the outdoor Edge of the Reef exhibit where you can gently touch sea cucumbers, starfish, and other tide pool inhabitants.

Check for Special Programs

Review the aquarium's website for any special events, educational programs, or feeding times that might enhance your visit.

Consider a Light Sweater

Some indoor exhibit rooms, particularly those with air conditioning, can be cool.

Frequently asked questions

: Most visitors, especially families, can comfortably explore the Waikiki Aquarium in about 1 to 2 hours. This allows ample time to enjoy the exhibits and participate in any interactive features without feeling rushed.
: Limited free parking is available directly in front of the Waikiki Aquarium, but these spots fill up quickly. Free street parking can sometimes be found on Kalakaua Avenue, and metered parking is available around Kapiʻolani Park. It is often recommended to arrive early or consider walking from nearby hotels.
: The Waikiki Aquarium is renowned for its focus on Pacific and Hawaiian marine life. You can see critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals, the colorful Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Hawaii's state fish), graceful seahorses and seadragons, various species of jellyfish, and giant clams. The aquarium also features a rare Peppermint Angelfish, one of the only ones on public display globally.