The Waikiki Aquarium sits on the Waikiki shoreline next to Kapiolani Park, about a 20-minute walk from most hotels along the strip. Founded in 1904, it’s one of the oldest public aquariums in the United States and has been run by the University of Hawaii since 1919. It’s small so plan an hour, maybe a little more, and focused entirely on Pacific marine life. That’s the point. You’re not getting a theme park. You’re getting a thoughtfully curated look at what lives in the water just off this shoreline.
A Visit to the Waikiki Aquarium
Start at the right with the coral exhibit, even though you’ll immediately be drawn left toward the big tank. Resist. The corals are worth a moment — they look like rocks or plants and are actually animals, which is the kind of fact that stops a kid in their tracks.
Then the giant South Pacific reef communities tank, and this is the one. Giant clams, anemones, a finding Nemo situation; though for the record, clownfish are not Hawaiian. Spend some time at the frogfish exhibit before you move on. They’re extraordinarily well camouflaged and the game is to find the lump with eyes and a mouth. Delightful when you spot one.
The jellyfish are in a large glowing cylinder and it’s easy to lose track of time standing in front of them. The Hawaiian marine communities gallery is next. Look for the octopus. If you’re lucky he’ll be moving around and maybe shifting colors. The aquarium gives him toys to keep him engaged, which says something about the care that goes into this place.
By the time you hit the shark tank, toddler interest may be waning which is perfect timing, because small stadium seating and the option to stand right up at the glass tends to reset the room. After that, seahorses and sea pipes in impressive variety, then a marine conservation section that the kids are done with because they can see the door to outside.
Outside: the touch tank is currently under renovation but will be back, and better. The monk seal exhibit is there; one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, swimming a few feet away. There’s a lawn to run around on and space for a picnic. Then back through the gift shop, which is well curated, and you’re done. Budget an hour, maybe a little more.
One more thing: the aquarium is a legitimate wedding venue. It’s a surprisingly cool one.
Good for Rainy Days and Hot Ones
Although I’m a fan of visiting the aquarium on rainy days (see more rainy day options here), it’s also great for hot sunny days when you need to escape the heat. If you do happen to visit on a sunny day, there is a big grassy area for a picnic afterward your visit. Your only challenge is to make it to the exit without getting sucked into the gift shop. Then again, it has a lovely little collection and you should let yourself get sucked in.
Getting There and What to Know
Address: 2777 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Next to Kapiolani Park, across from the Honolulu Zoo.
Hours: Daily 9am to 4:30pm. Closed Christmas Day and Honolulu Marathon Day (second Sunday of December).
Admission: Adults $12, children (4-12) $5, under 4 free. Kama’aina, military, and seniors discounted. Cash and cards accepted. Tickets available at the door.
Parking: A small free lot in front of the aquarium, but it fills fast. Free street parking is available on Kalakaua Avenue and metered parking around Kapiolani Park. Come early or plan to walk from your hotel. Most of Waikiki is within 20 minutes on foot along the shoreline.
Food: No food sold on site. You can bring your own snacks or a packed lunch, just no coolers. Barefoot Beach Cafe is right next door.
Add-on: For an extra $5 per person, the Hawaiian Reef Animals program lets kids hold a sea star, feel a sea cucumber, and feed an urchin. Good for ages 4 and up and worth adding if you have curious kids.
Family Photos in Waikiki
You’ll spend time in gorgeous Hawaii watching your kids lose their minds over jellyfish and frogfish — and then you’ll get home and you won’t be in any of the photos. If that sounds familiar, a morning adventure session in Waikiki is worth considering. You can see what that looks like here, here, and here. And if it looks like something your family would be into, here’s where to start.
More to Do Nearby
Honolulu Zoo. Cross the street for more animals if one hour of fish wasn’t enough.
Sans Souci Beach. The quiet beach right next to the aquarium, with a sea wall the kids will want to climb.
Diamond Head Beach Park. A short drive for a picnic or surf session away from the Waikiki crowds.
Magic Island. Local favorite for an afternoon with a view.
Waikiki Family Activity Roundup. More ideas in and around Waikiki.
Take a hike. The best family hikes near Waikiki if you want to get off the beach.
Where to Eat Nearby
Barefoot Beach Cafe. Right next door with a seaside setting. No need to go far.
Leonard’s Malasadas. Dobash filled. Worth the stop every single time.
Musubi Cafe Iyasume. Musubis for the road — consistently good and easy to carry.
Marugame Udon. A bit of a walk and usually a line, but fresh udon made in front of you is worth planning around.
Waikiki Aquarium FAQs
A: About an hour for most families. The aquarium is small by design — it’s focused on Pacific marine life rather than trying to cover everything. An hour is enough to see it all without rushing, and kids are usually ready for a snack by the time you exit.
A: Yes, especially for younger kids. The scale is manageable, the exhibits are engaging, and there’s no overwhelming sensory overload. The jellyfish, sharks, and giant reef tank are the highlights. The outdoor monk seal exhibit and touch tank add to it.
A: The free lot in front is small and fills quickly. Free street parking on Kalakaua Avenue is a good backup, as is metered parking around Kapiolani Park and in front of the zoo. If you’re staying in Waikiki, it’s worth walking. Most hotels are within 20 minutes along the shoreline.
A: Yes, you can bring snacks and a packed lunch. No coolers are allowed and no food is sold on site. The grassy area in Kapiolani Park right next door is a good spot for a picnic after your visit.
A: Yes. The small size works in your favor. There’s no long walk between exhibits and nothing overwhelming. The colorful fish, jellyfish, and reef tanks hold toddler attention well. The Hawaiian Reef Animals add-on program is available for ages 4 and up.
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