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Waikiki Aquarium

3.9

Discover Hawaii's vibrant marine life at the Waikiki Aquarium, featuring over 3,000 Pacific species in engaging exhibits.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow

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Waikiki Aquarium

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Hawaii's vibrant marine life at the Waikiki Aquarium, featuring over 3,000 Pacific species in engaging exhibits.

3.9

(2k reviews)

"A charming glimpse into Hawaii's underwater world, perfect for families and marine enthusiasts."

TIP

💰 WIC Discount Available

If you have WIC, you might get a voucher for $5 entry per adult! Ask your local WIC office.

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from Waikiki

It's about a 20-minute walk from many Waikiki hotels. Enjoy the scenic stroll along the coast.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.9 · 1,662 reviews

Type

Aquarium

Address

2777 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Website

waikikiaquarium.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mesmerizing Jellyfish

Indoor Exhibits

Watch these ethereal creatures drift and pulse in their tanks. A truly captivating display of marine beauty.

The Majestic Grouper

Main Tank

Witness the impressive size and aggressive colors of the giant grouper. A powerful presence in its habitat.

Vibrant Clownfish

Reef Exhibits

Spot Nemo and his friends darting amongst anemones. A classic and always delightful sight.

Delicate Sea Stars

Touch Pools/Exhibits

Observe these fascinating echinoderms up close. Learn about their unique feeding habits.

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Planning Your Visit

Size and Scope

The Waikiki Aquarium is on the smaller side, so manage expectations if you're used to larger institutions. It's perfect for a focused visit, especially with kids, but might feel brief for seasoned aquarium-goers.

Renovations & Monk Seals

Be aware that outdoor exhibits may be under renovation, and the popular monk seals have been on loan. Check their website for the latest updates before your visit to avoid disappointment.

Best Times

When

Weekdays, mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, better parking

Crowd

Low

When

Afternoons

Why

School groups may thin out

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Symbiotic 🥰 #clownfish #emonemo #anemone #waikikiaquarium #marianowalk #marianowalking #fyp #fishtok #aquariumsoftiktok #waikiki #reef #hawaiitok

@waikikiaquariumofficial

99.6K likes • 694.3K views

💰 WIC Discount Available

If you have WIC, you might get a voucher for $5 entry per adult! Ask your local WIC office.

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from Waikiki

It's about a 20-minute walk from many Waikiki hotels. Enjoy the scenic stroll along the coast.

Things to do if you have WIC✨ #thingstodo #toddleractivities #wic #resources #Summer #MomsofTikTok #momlife #aquarium

@blankkituhh

79K likes • 1.1M views

An honest review of the Waikiki Aquarium ⬇️ 📍2777 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 ⏰ Open daily, 9am-5pm The first time we visited the Waikiki Aquarium, I was a little surprised. It is small, and the monk seals—the main attraction—have been on loan to a research facility in California for over a year. If you’re here on vacation or come from a place with a large aquarium, you might want to skip ...

hawaiiwithtoddlers

229 likes • 11.7K views

🐢 Monk Seals on Loan

The monk seals are currently on loan to a research facility. Check for updates before your visit.

🎟️ Kama'aina Discount

Hawaii residents and military get a discounted admission price. Bring your ID!

As a toddler mom, I’m always looking for fun and inexpensive activities for my daughter. I haven’t been back to the @waikikiaquarium 🐠 in ages but I thought it would be fun to take my 19 months old since she has never been! They are open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm and offer Kama’aina discount! Adults are $8 entry (also for military). General admission is $12. Children ages 5-13 are $5 and childr...

vickikitty

0 likes • 572 views

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 WIC Discount Available

If you have WIC, you might get a voucher for $5 entry per adult! Ask your local WIC office.

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from Waikiki

It's about a 20-minute walk from many Waikiki hotels. Enjoy the scenic stroll along the coast.

🐢 Monk Seals on Loan

The monk seals are currently on loan to a research facility. Check for updates before your visit.

🎟️ Kama'aina Discount

Hawaii residents and military get a discounted admission price. Bring your ID!

💡 Look for Experts

Keep an eye out for staff who can share fun facts about the marine life and local aquatic history.

What Travellers Say

3.9

(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Waikiki Aquarium charming with its focus on Hawaiian marine life, particularly the mesmerizing jellyfish and impressive grouper. While some note its smaller size and occasional outdated exhibits, it's generally considered a worthwhile and affordable visit, especially for families. The limited parking and ongoing renovations are minor drawbacks for some.

"Waikiki Aquarium: A Mix of Old Charm and Marine Wonders
The Waikiki Aquarium offers a fascinating glimpse into Hawaii's marine life, but it's a bit of a mixed bag. Parking is limited, though weekdays offer a better chance of snagging a spot.
The outdoor exhibits are currently under renovation, which is a bummer, but the indoor displays are where the aquarium truly shines. The jellyfish are mesmerizing, and the grouper is a definite highlight. You'll also find plenty of other cool creatures to admire. The seahorses were especially amazing!
However, the aquarium's age shows in some areas. Some of the signage and stickers feel a bit outdated. Still, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to see some amazing marine animals, and at a relatively cheap price, the Waikiki Aquarium is worth a visit."

W Z

"Visited this aquarium on the way to Diamond Head monument. Not too expensive to get in. We paid on the door. Loads of aquatic tanks of various sizes - containing a variety of tropical and local fish. Some tanks seem a bit small for the fish - but plenty to see and some expansion is still going on (I believe). Had a couple of school visits on the day we visited. A couple of experts on hand to explain the fish and history of local aquatic life. If you’ve got time on your hands I’d suggest popping into here to kill a bit of time. The blue jellyfish tank is cool."

Sardev Singh

"A pretty nice aquarium, but only the indoor parts of it were open. The monk seal was away on loan and other outdoor exhibits were under renovation. We liked the indoor exhibits though! Some of the tanks were a little cloudy and we noticed that the signage didn’t always match the fish that were actually in the tank. At one point a staff member came out and shared some fun facts about the sharks and large fish that were in the big tank, which we would’ve liked more of. Overall a pretty enjoyable visit but we wished there was more to see when we were being charged full price admission."

Madeline Klein

What People Like

Mesmerizing jellyfish tanks

Impressive grouper exhibit

Focus on Hawaiian marine life

What People Dislike

Smaller size

Outdated signage

Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Waikiki Aquarium is easily accessible. You can walk from most Waikiki hotels (about 20 minutes), take a bus, or drive and find parking, though it can be limited.

Yes, there is parking available, but it's limited. Weekdays tend to be better for finding a spot.

From Honolulu, you can take public transportation like TheBus, drive and utilize the limited parking, or enjoy a pleasant walk if you're staying in the Waikiki area.

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option to reach the Waikiki Aquarium from anywhere in Honolulu.

Yes, the Waikiki Aquarium is located near other popular spots like the Honolulu Zoo and is a pleasant walk from many Waikiki hotels and beaches.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission is $12, with discounts for Kama'aina (Hawaii residents), military, and children ages 5-13 ($5). Children under 5 are free.

Yes, Kama'aina (Hawaii residents), military personnel, and WIC recipients can get discounted tickets.

Yes, you can purchase tickets at the door. However, booking online in advance might be recommended during peak times.

The Waikiki Aquarium is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours. +1

Generally, tickets are non-refundable, so it's important to confirm your plans before purchasing.

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the mesmerizing jellyfish, the impressive giant grouper, vibrant clownfish, and delicate sea stars. +2

Yes, it's a great spot for families with children due to its manageable size and engaging displays.

While some exhibits are more observational, there are often opportunities to learn from staff and sometimes touch pools.

The Waikiki Aquarium is relatively small compared to larger mainland aquariums, making it a focused and manageable visit.

You can see over 3,000 Hawaiian and tropical Pacific marine animals, including various fish, jellyfish, seahorses, and more. +1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Waikiki Aquarium does not have a full-service restaurant. It's best to plan for dining before or after your visit.

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the aquarium. There are many restaurants nearby in Waikiki.

You'll find a wide variety of dining options in Waikiki, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, just a short walk away.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of flash photography, especially around sensitive exhibits. +1

The jellyfish tanks, the vibrant reef displays with clownfish, and the impressive grouper tank offer great photo opportunities. +1

Video recording is usually permitted, but check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits. +1