For the Keiki & Ohana: The Honolulu Aquarium

For the Keiki and Ohana

Photo Credit: Coconut Wireless

When I drive by the Waikiki Aquarium, I recall my mother’s story of how—trying unsuccessfully to balance on the Aquarium’s stone wall—she fell into one of the fish ponds in an attempt to sneak in after hours. The Aquarium my mother knew as a child growing up in Waikiki in the 1930’s is different than the one that exists in my childhood memories and now, that of my children.

When the Honolulu Aquarium first opened in March 1904, it began as lure to attract riders of the new trolley to the end of the line at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. Over the years, the Aquarium would undergo two major renovations—the first completed in 1955 moved the Aquarium about 100 yards south, where it stands today—and the second in 1994. During its 100 years of existence in Hawaii, the Honolulu Aquarium has redefined and focused its scope and vision as well. With an eye to the future, the current director, Dr. Andrew Rossiter has big goals:

“… to increase public awareness of the ecology and conservation of marine life and reef habitats through aquarium exhibitory, research and education…to consolidate and build upon the existing exhibitory expertise and the solid foundation lay down by his two predecessors, and to modernize, diversify and expand the Aquarium’s facilities…to increase the Aquarium’s own research activities and community educational outreach, and for the Aquarium to interact more closely with researchers at the University of Hawaii and elsewhere.”

Photo Credit: Coconut Wireless

As frequent visitors to the Honolulu Aquarium, my family and I are blissfully unaware of all of the history and hard work that has gone in to making the Aquarium what it is today. Instead, we are too busy enjoying the antics of the Hawaiian Monk Seals in their outdoor exhibit, and seeing if the jellyfish will follow our fingers as we trace them around the tank. We marvel at the quirky awesomeness of the seahorses on exhibit and stand with our faces nearly pressed against the glass as the sharks and “ulua” —the Hawaiian word for jacks or trevally—swim above us. And although there are no food concessions on the property, a few spam musubi’s and an impromptu picnic on the lawn before or after our time at the aquarium, make for a great keiki and ohana outing indeed!

Insider Tip: Did you know that the Honolulu Aquarium is available for party rentals? Weddings, birthdays and even intimate concerts and other events are held on the lawn throughout the year.

Hours and other visitor information are listed below:
REGULAR HOURS***:
- 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily* (last visitors exit by 5 p.m.)
SPECIAL HOURS:
- Thanksgiving Day (9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.), New Year’s Day (11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
HOLIDAY CLOSURES*:
- Christmas Day
- Honolulu Marathon Day (December 13, 2009)

Admission:
$9 for Adults; $4 for Youths (13-17), and persons with disabilities; $2 for Juniors (5-12);

$6 for Local Residents with a valid State of Hawaii ID, Active Duty Military with a valid military ID, Students with a student ID, Senior citizens (65 years old and over) with a valid ID;
Free for Children 4 and under.
Each paid admission includes a free Audio Tour Wand. (Methods of payment accepted are US Cash, Traveller’s cheques issued in US amount, Visa, MasterCard and JCB cards).
Contact Information:
Phone: (808) 923-9741
Email: info@waquarium.org

What are your memories visiting the Waikiki Aquarium? Does your city have an aquarium?

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