United States
Hawaii (HI)
Oahu
Honolulu
Things to Do in Honolulu
Waikiki Aquarium
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Waikiki Aquarium

See all things to do
See all things to do
Waikiki Aquarium
4
1,798
#58 of 347 things to do in Honolulu
Aquariums
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9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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About
Learn about sea life in Hawaii here.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Waikiki Aquarium and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighborhood: Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,304 within 3 miles
Michel's At the Colony Surf
736
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • Seafood • International
Barefoot Beach Cafe
866
0.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Hau Tree
1,447
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Hawaiian
Tucker & Bevvy Picnic Food
486
0.4 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Teddy's Bigger Burgers - Waikiki
2,056
0.4 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Starbucks
328
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
941
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi
d.k Steak House
715
0.5 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Vegetarian Friendly
Tiki's Grill & Bar
4,862
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
LuLu's Waikiki
3,067
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Hawaiian
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Attractions
278 within 6 miles
Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium
43
444 ftMonuments & Statues
Kaimana Beach
338
0.2 miBeaches
Kapiolani Park
1,112
0.2 miBeaches • Parks
Sans Souci Beach Park
95
0.2 miBeaches
Queen's Beach
47
0.2 miBeaches
San Souci Beach
25
0.2 miBeaches
Okinawan Festival
6
0.2 miCultural Events
Waikiki Beach
18,580
0.5 miBeaches
Waikiki Gateway Park
5
0.2 miParks
Saint Augustine by-the-Sea
579
0.5 miArchitectural Buildings • Religious Sites
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,798 reviews
Excellent
553
Very good
663
Average
437
Poor
115
Terrible
30
307leven
Stroudsburg, PA179 contributions
Nice Aquarium Conveniently Located
We went on Dec. 4th and paid $14/person. We didn't have to park as the location was less than a mile walk from our Waikiki hotel - about a 10-15 minute walk. It wasn't too crowded as we visited just after lunch. It was a nice, informative visit on marine life and the coral reefs with plenty of exhibits. But, the aquarium is rather small and the seal exhibit was closed at the time. Similar to everywhere else on the island, they will ask for your ID and proof of vaccination. We spent about an hour there, but you can spend more depending on how many exhibits/displays you read and how many photos you take.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MindStorm
Honolulu, HI898 contributions
Nice, though small
The aquarium is rather small, and can easily be seen in an hour or less. What is there is well presented though. It also continues beyond the building into the pleasant yard outside, with additional displays there.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sabrinak136
New Orleans, LA661 contributions
Waikiki Aquarium…a tiny but sweet aquarium!
Family
It was our last day in Waikiki and we definitely needed to use up some time prior to arriving at the airport so the Waikiki Aquarium became the place to spend our remaining time. The Waikiki Aquarium was an excellent price, a mere $17.00 for one adult and one child; however, if you have not had an opportunity to snorkel this aquarium provides an amazing example of the underwater world of Hawaii. Also, there is an app that allows you to download an audio guide which provides specific information about each area. There are many beautiful coral and fish exhibits however, my favorite fish to see was the Hawaiian state fish: Humuhumunukunukuapua. The fish were so vibrant and absolutely beautiful which made for a happy day despite our imminent departure. Please note that there is only a vending machine for food but there is a nice outdoor area to enjoy snacks. Also, Barefoot Cafe is about 5min. walk. Also, they do take photos upon entering and you have the opportunity to purchase a book for $36.00 which supports the aquarium. The book has great information about the fish etc. and you can download the photos as well. Waikiki Aquarium is a nice place to spend 60 to 90 minutes.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Waikiki A
Mahalo for your review! We are happy you had a fin-tastic time at the Waikiki Aquarium. We are a window to the sea where visitors can come face to fin to more than 500 marine species -- without even getting wet! Hope to "sea" you again in the future!
Written August 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SydneyJim56
Green Point, Australia242 contributions
Very pleasant way to spend some time
Couples
One of our regular stops when in Waikiki. Small but well laid out and thoroughly enjoyable. We booked on line and there are discounts for seniors. Unfortunately their monk seals are currently off exhibit.
Masks are required indoors but not in the outside exhibit area.
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Douglas N
Kalispell, MT100 contributions
Smaller than expected, still enjoyable.
I admit to expecting something bigger than reality. Took our young kids there and would have spent maybe 30 minutes maximum, looking at every display and taking our time. For what it is, I feel it is overpriced, but that is just my personal opinion. We still enjoyed it.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
maegwin
Vernon, Canada123 contributions
What a Great, Fun Experience!!
Going to the Waikiki Aquarium is like going snorkeling, without getting wet!! LOL And...seeing so many more fish than a snorkel experience. It was inexpensive and a most enjoyable visit. I loved seeing the live coral, colorful fish and larger sharks/ groupers. We walked along the beach after and enjoyed a fish and chip lunch at Barefoot Beach cafe. It is just to the left of the Aquarium. Both are located right off Waikiki Beach and were a great, fun experience the morning!! Do not miss such an activity while in Hawaii!!! Adults are $12, Children 4-12 are $5 and Seniors are only $5. So a very reasonable activity to visit while in Honolulu. It is a great learning activity for both Adult and Children!!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
circa2015
Spokane, WA139 contributions
Small, but well-done
The Waikiki Aquarium is a pleasant walk along a tree-shaded boulevard past the Honolulu Zoo. It's quite small, but effectively displays the colorful tropical fish of the area. We watched a small shark patrol its tank and there were several pretty species of jelly fish. Our favorite sight was the monk seal at feeding time. This animal had learned lots of tricks and performed them readily in return for fish. The seal is nearly blind so it wouldn't be able to live in the open sea, but makes a fine ambassador for its endangered species.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Funkyasia
Phoenix, AZ13 contributions
Warning to the tourists.
Family
We visited today (10/12) and were asked for proof of negative Covid test. So we did, since we had to take one in order to be allowed in Hawaii. The thing is that we took our Reston 10/9 which was more then 72 hours ago and we were not allowed to enter unless we tested again or showed a proof of vaccine. From the outside the facility looked small and we were told it is considered an indoor venue!
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Waikiki A
The city of Honolulu requires all aquarium visitors to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within the previous 48 hours in order to enter the establishment. Children under 12 years old are exempt. For more information on this requirement visit https://www.oneoahu.org/safe-access-oahu
Written November 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TrishA
5 contributions
Not what I expected.
The aquarium was a bit of disappointment. First, charge us $2.00 for a paper mask. ?? There was only one outside display. Everything was inside. I was here 14 years ago and there was much more to see then. Wasn't worth the money.
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
christina t
Portland, OR167 contributions
Amazing Corals!
Friends
This exceeded my expectations! It is small, but it has a phenomenal variety of amazing corals. Probably the best I’ve seen. There were different tanks of fish, jellyfish, sea horses, and eels. There were a few sharks. The monk seal wasn’t there (the sign said it would be gone until 2023). Be sure to get the audio guide and listen to descriptions of all the tanks. It took us about 90 mins to look at everything and listen to the audio guides.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Waikiki Aquarium (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Waikiki Aquarium
Waikiki Aquarium is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Waikiki Aquarium tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Waikiki Aquarium tours on Tripadvisor
According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Waikiki Aquarium: See all Waikiki Aquarium experiences on Tripadvisor