Waikiki Aquarium - A Glimpse of Life Under the Sea

We had an amazing day visiting the Waikiki Aquarium with our 2 year old son. This was his first visit to an aquarium, so it was no surprise that he loved all the colorful fish and children's activities.

We were greeted with friendly, informative employees that immediately gave our son a seahorse stamp on his arm which he thought was very cool. They also provided us with audio tour wands to guide us through all the exhibits which are included with the price of admission.

On our visit, NOAA was sponsoring a name the newest Hawaiian Monk Seal contest. We named the seal “Monky” and they gave us our very own “Monky”, a cute little plush monk seal, just for participating…how fun, especially for the kiddos! They also gave my son a seal stamp on his hand and he made a Hawaiian Monk Seal hat which looked super cute as he explored the aquarium checking out all the exhibits. Most of the exhibits feature glass low enough for him to see everything from his own height, which he absolutely loved!

Visiting the Waikiki Aquarium is a great way to come face to face with an array of colorful fish and to get an up close and personal glimpse of the endangered Hawaiian monk seals from the side of their 85,000 gallon tank located outside. Inside the aquarium, you’ll see gigantic fish including reef sharks, amazing iridescent living corals, intricate jelly fish, and brilliantly colored native fish. In fact, too many fish to count…I should know as my son tried to point to each one as I attempted to keep up with the counting. The aquarium also has touch tanks where children can touch an assortment of small underwater creatures.

Overall, the aquarium is on the small side compared to other aquariums my husband and I have visited, but offers a fun and educational experience the whole family is sure to enjoy. It is definitely a worthwhile vacation stop when traveling to Oahu to see even more of Hawaii’s beautiful underwater world.

Admission: $9 adults, $6 seniors, $4 youths 13-17, $2 juniors 5-12, FREE children 4 and under when accompanied by an adult

Parking: A parking lot is onsite at the aquarium with free 1 hour parking.

Savings Tips

Zoo Reciprocity - If you have a zoo membership, check to see if you have reciprocity with the Waikiki Aquarium. If you do, remember to pack your zoo membership for discounted or free admission. Our Philadelphia Zoo membership has reciprocity with the Waikiki Aquarium and we received 50% off admission to the aquarium. Go HERE for the 2010 reciprocity list on the Waikiki Aquariums website. Reciprocity rates are subject to change without notice, so as always call to verify.

Coupon Brochures – Check coupon brochures for discounts. I found a coupon for $1 off adult admission to the Waikiki Aquarium in The Best of Oahu coupon brochure.

Location
In Kapiolani Park
2777 Kalakaua Avenue
808-923-9741

Open daily from 9am – 4:30pm (facility closes at 5pm).
Check their website for closures and special hours.

www.waquarium.org