The Jewel Of Hawaii: Waikiki Aquarium
With over 3,055 water denizens representing 464 species, the Waikiki Aquarium on Oahu is not only a public attraction, but also the University of Hawaii's research and educational facility for aquatic life. It is also designated as a Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center of the Coastal America Partnership federal program.
The Waikiki Aquarium, which is the third oldest aquarium in the United States, averages more than 350,000 visitors per year who are drawn to its coral reef exhibits. Especially attractive for visitors is its collection of reef sharks, tropical fish, jellyfish of all sizes and shapes, eels, living corals and other ocean creatures of Hawaii and the South Pacific region. Other main attractions include the endangered Hawaiian monk seals, rays and green sea turtles.
Things to do at Waikiki Aquarium
One of the interesting features of the Waikiki Aquarium is its “Aquarium After Dark” activity that is offered once each month. With this presentation, visitors, with only flashlights to aid their vision, can explore the tanks and their swimming occupants to observe their nocturnal habits and movements.
A tour for the novice?
The aquarium has both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Inside you’ll find displays showcasing the marine life around the different islands and the creatures living in different marine ecosystems, from the intertidal zone to the open ocean. Corals, giant clams, colorful reef-dwelling fish, predators like sharks, trevally, and groupers, jellyfish, chambered nautilus, and even a gold American lobster (only one in 30 million American lobsters show this genetic disposition) are some of the curious residents at the aquarium. Outside you’ll find the monk seal, a tidal pool with fish that reflect the marine life around Waikiki, an interactive area where people can hold hermit crabs and other little creatures, and a serene grassy open space under palm trees right next to the ocean for the kids to run around on and get some energy out or to sit and enjoy a snack.
The Waikiki Aquarium also has a signature summer concert series on the lawn that draws a more mature crowd than the zoo’s summer concert series. Ke Kani O Ke Kai: The Sound of the Ocean starts in June and runs through August.
