Waikiki Aquarium

Description

Not everyone feels safe or comfortable enough to snorkel with the fishes off Hawaii's shores, however most would love to experience the beauty of the colorful under the sea world. The Waikiki Aquarium allows you to journey underwater while staying dry and comfortable, plus it is a great way to duck out of the downtown mid-day heat.

At a Glance:
Highlights: This 114 year old oceanic institution has hundreds of underwater species, including extensive coral garden exhibits, and outdoor tide pool environments that educate and entertain.
Activity level: Easy
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm Daily
Reservations: None
Costs: $12 adult (ages 13-64), $5 Juniors (ages 4-12) Free for under 3 years of age

Established in 1904 to educate the people of Hawaii about life in the oceans, the Waikiki Aquarium moved to its' current oceanfront real estate in 1955. The facilities were renovated in the 1990's and the exhibits are teeming with life with more than 3,500 organisms and 490 species of marine plants and animals. Amazing living corals grow large in several enclosures as they were begun back in the 1970's and thrive in the fresh circulating saltwater environment. An audio tour is available with your entry for a guided interpretive tour, or you can walk about under your own guidance reading the many plaques adjacent the exhibits.

Though small, this Aquarium has lots to offer and the modest entry fee makes this an easy attraction to visit. Give yourself an hour or more to explore here, followed by a short walk to the beach to indulge in some ocean for yourself. This is easily achieved as the Aquarium is located adjacent to the ocean at the eastern end of Waikiki Beach at the oceanfront in the Queen Kapiolani Park.

For those visitors' with a love of the sea creatures, and a fear of the ocean, this is your best option for relaxing and exploring safely. Best of all, a visit to the Waikiki Aquarium is fully ADA and small child accessible making this a great family attraction for all regardless of mobility and swim-ability of those in your party.

Local's Tip:

Combine this with the Honolulu Zoo, and Kapiolani Beach Park to make for a fun Waikiki day. Early bird gets the best parking options. Definitely more crowded on weekends, less on weekdays.

Contact:
Phone: 808-923-9741
Web: http://www.waikikiaquarium.org/

Address:
2777 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815

Directions:  The aquarium is in the shadow of Diamond Head on the oceanfront in Waikiki.

Driving from the West part of the island to the Aquarium on H1 Eastbound

  • Take exit 25A King Street /Waikiki/Honolulu Zoo
  • Stay in second lane from the right (about 0.1 miles)
  • Turn right onto Kapahulu Ave. (just past Market City Shopping Center)
  • Drive South on Kapahulu Ave. (about 0.8 miles until reaching ocean)
  • At the T junction, turn left on Kalakaua Ave. (about 0.3 miles)
  • The Waikiki Aquarium will be on the right-hand (beach/ocean) side of Kalakaua Ave.


Driving from the East part of Honolulu to the Aquarium on H1 Westbound

  • Take exit 25A King Street
  • Stay in left lane (less than 0.1 miles)
  • Immediate sharp left onto King St. (less than 0.1 mile)
  • Stay in second lane from the right (about 0.1 miles)
  • Turn right onto Kapahulu Ave. (just past Market City Shopping Center)
  • Drive South on Kapahulu Ave. (about 0.8 miles until reaching ocean)
  • At the T junction, turn left on Kalakaua Ave. (about 0.3 miles)
  • The Waikiki Aquarium will be on the right-hand (beach/ocean) side of Kalakaua Ave.

Map

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