At the eastern end of Waikīkī, the Waikīkī Aquarium is a public marine-life attraction beside Kapiʻolani Park, with exhibits centered on Hawaiʻi and the tropical Pacific. Its shoreline setting makes it a natural stop to combine with nearby park and beach time.
- Location: 2777 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Regular hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the facility closes at 5:00 p.m.
- Admission: $12 for visitors; reduced prices and free admission apply to eligible groups.
Where is Waikīkī Aquarium by Kaimana Bay?
Waikīkī Aquarium is at 2777 Kalākaua Avenue, on the shoreline in Kapiʻolani Park. It sits across Kalākaua Avenue from the park’s Tennis Courts and is near Diamond Head State Monument.
The aquarium is within walking distance of Waikīkī Beach, so you can combine a visit with time along the shoreline. Its setting in the park also places it beside the Waikīkī Natatorium War Memorial.
Opened on March 19, 1904, as the Honolulu Aquarium, it is the second-oldest public aquarium in the United States. The Honolulu Rapid Transit and Land Company established it to showcase Hawaiʻi’s reef life and encourage trolley passengers to ride to the end of the line in Kapiʻolani Park.
The University of Hawaiʻi took over its administration in 1919. The current building opened in 1955 and stands on 2.35 acres of state land.
What are Waikīkī Aquarium’s hours and ticket prices?
Waikīkī Aquarium’s regular hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and the facility closes at 5:00 p.m. Admission is $12 for visitors. Local residents and active-duty military with ID pay $8; senior citizens and children ages 4–12 pay $5. Children 3 and under and Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium members enter free.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Plan your arrival with the closing time in mind, and check the official site before you go for current hours, admission details, and any changes. The exhibits, education programs, and research focus on aquatic life in Hawaiʻi and the tropical Pacific. The aquarium showcases more than 500 marine species and maintains more than 3,500 marine specimens.
How do you get to Waikīkī Aquarium from central Waikīkī?
You can reach the aquarium on TheBus routes 14, 19, 20, or 22, or on the Waikīkī Trolley Green Line. From Halekulani - NO RESORT FEE, it is about a 26-minute walk or 6-minute drive. Kapiʻolani Park and the Waikīkī Natatorium War Memorial are nearby, making them easy additions to an aquarium visit.
For driving, parking includes metered street stalls on the park side of Kalākaua Avenue and a very limited number of free stalls in front of the entrance, reserved for aquarium visitors. On busy days, you can get a two-hour pass for those free stalls at the admission desk.
If you’re planning more time by the water, the Waikiki Beach guide to access and swimming covers the nearby shoreline.
What can you pair with an aquarium visit?
Kapiʻolani Park and the Waikīkī Natatorium War Memorial are next to the aquarium, making the park and shoreline natural nearby additions to your visit. Waikīkī Beach is also within walking distance, while the aquarium’s location across Kalākaua Avenue from the park Tennis Courts gives you an easy landmark for orientation.
For another animal-focused stop in the area, Honolulu Zoo’s Waikīkī location offers a separate outing to pair with time in the neighborhood.
FAQs
How long is a visit to Waikīkī Aquarium?
The aquarium’s regular visiting hours run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the facility closing at 5:00 p.m. The exhibits focus on aquatic life in Hawaiʻi and the tropical Pacific.
Is Waikīkī Aquarium close to Waikīkī Beach?
Yes. The aquarium is within walking distance of Waikīkī Beach and sits on the shoreline in Kapiʻolani Park.
Can you take public transportation to Waikīkī Aquarium?
Yes. TheBus routes 14, 19, 20, and 22 serve the aquarium, as does the Waikīkī Trolley Green Line.