The Complete Guide to Waikiki Aquarium: Admission Prices, How to Get There, and How Long to Plan for! We Also Explain How to Get There by Bus
The Waikiki Aquarium is
Popular Spots to Visit on a Trip to Hawaii
The Waikiki Aquarium is a historic aquarium located at the eastern end of Waikiki, next to Kapiolani Park.
In this column, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide covering admission fees, hours of operation, estimated visit duration, how to get there by bus or on foot, highlights, and even souvenirs.
◆ For those who want to know the admission prices and hours of operation for the Waikiki Aquarium in advance
◆ For those who want to know what’s at the Waikiki Aquarium and what the highlights are
◆ For those who want to check out souvenirs and nearby attractions in addition to the aquarium
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Hawaii.
Waikiki Aquarium: Basic Information and Admission Fees
The Waikiki Aquarium is a historic aquarium that opened in 1904 and is operated by the University of Hawaii.
Inside the building, there isApproximately 490 species and more than 3,500 marine creatures...live there.
First, let's go over the basics: business hours, fees, and estimated time required. ◎
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Hours of Operation and Closed Days
The Waikiki Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed onChristmasAnd that's the day of the Honolulu Marathon.
Business hours may change on holidays and during the year-end and New Year’s period, so it’s a good idea to check the official website before you go. ◎
If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on a weekday!
Admission Fee
・Children (ages 4–12): $5
・Seniors (age 65 and older): $5
・Children 3 years old and under are free
*As of October 2026. Please check the official website for the latest information.
For a regular tour,No reservation requiredYou can purchase them at the entrance on the day of the event.
Since children's rates are much lower, it feels like a great deal when you go as a family.
Another great thing is that it's reasonably priced compared to other aquariums.
Approximate time required
The recommended time for visiting the Waikiki Aquarium is,1 to 2 hoursThat's a rough estimate. The museum is compact, so if you're just doing a quick tour, you can see everything in about an hour.
If you want to take your time watching the monk seals or playing in the touch pool, you'll have plenty of time if you plan on staying for about two hours.
There is no café on the premises where you can eat.
If you're planning to go around lunchtime, we recommend eating first before heading there. ◎
How to Get to the Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium is within walking distance of downtown Waikiki.
You can get there by bus or trolley, but since parking is limited,Walking or taking the bus is more convenient than drivingIt is.
Let's take a look at each way to get there.
Access: 25 minutes by car from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
How to Get There on Foot from Waikiki
If you're coming from the center of Waikiki Beach, you can walk there. Just head east on Kalakaua Avenue toward Diamond Head.
Across from Kapiolani Park, on the ocean side, you'll see the entrance to the aquarium.
The distance isAbout 1 mile(About 1.6 km), which takes about 20 to 30 minutes on foot.
Along the way, you can enjoy views of the ocean and the greenery in the park, so it feels just like taking a stroll. ◎
How to Get There by Bus
If you're taking the bus, TheBus routes 14, 19, 20, and 22 are convenient. Get off at the bus stop with "Waikiki Aquarium" in the name.
Waikiki Trolley'sGreen LineIt also stops near the aquarium. It's perfect for those who want to sightsee as they travel.
Since you can board it along Kalakaua Avenue, it's great for when you want to minimize the distance you have to walk.
Click here for an unlimited bus pass
About Cars and Parking
If you're driving, there is freeParking SpacesThere are some available. However, the number is very limited, and they tend to fill up early.
You can also use the parking lots around Kapiolani Park, but how crowded they are and the terms of use vary from day to day.
Since there's a lot of traffic around Waikiki, instead of driving,It's easier to get around by bus, on foot, by taxi, or using a ride-hailing app.It is.
If you absolutely must drive, plan to arrive early.
Click here for car rentals in Honolulu
What's at the Waikiki Aquarium?
5 Must-See Highlights
The appeal of the Waikiki Aquarium is that you can see the creatures that live in the coral reefs of Hawaii and the Pacific up close.
To answer the question, “What’s there to see?” here are five particularly popular highlights. ◎
If you become interested in Hawaii's marine life at the Waikiki Aquarium,We also recommend enjoying the experience of meeting people out on the open sea.It is.
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Hawaiian Monk Seal
The most popular attraction at the Waikiki Aquarium is the Hawaiian monk seal, which lives in the outdoor pool.
Native to HawaiiEndangered SpeciesIt is also an important animal that symbolizes Hawaiian culture.
Here live two male dolphins, Hoʻailona and Maka Onaona, who were rescued as calves.
You'll find yourself captivated by the sight of them swimming leisurely in the pool and the sheer power of seeing them up close!
Chambered Nautilus
."Living FossilThe nautilus, known as the "nautilus," is also one of the highlights of the Waikiki Aquarium.
It has a shell divided into several chambers that shimmer with rainbow colors, and it moves by spouting water in a unique swimming style.
This aquarium is also known for its efforts in the care and breeding of nautiluses.
Since these are deep-sea creatures you don't often get to see, be sure to take your time observing them. ◎
Jellyfish
Don't miss the exhibit featuring jellyfish floating gently through the water.
JellyfishYou can observe a variety of jellyfish, including these.
Just watching them float gently through the water is so soothing. Jellyfish are a huge hit with both adults and children.
It makes for a great photo, so grab your smartphone or camera and try taking your favorite shot!
Scallop
The Waikiki Aquarium is also famous for its giant clam breeding program.
Inside the building, the largest ones areNearly 1 meterYou can see giant clams that can grow to be as large as...
The mantle is vibrantly colored and makes for a stunning photo. Since they’re usually too large to encounter even while snorkeling, come experience their majesty up close!
Creatures of Hawaii's Coastline
At the outdoor "Edge of the Reef," you can observe the marine life you might encounter while snorkeling along Hawaii's coastline.
Hawaii's state fish, the humuhumu nuku nuku apua'a, and others,Colorful Fishis also a highlight.
After observing Hawaii’s marine life at the aquarium, why not enjoy encountering them in the ocean itself?
Whether you go snorkeling or diving, you can experience the beauty of Hawaii’s oceans, including colorful tropical fish and coral reefs♪
▼Click here for diving and snorkeling tours in Hawaii▼
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Souvenirs & Nearby Attractions
After enjoying the aquarium, we recommend picking out some souvenirs and taking a stroll around the area.
Here, we’ll introduce the gift shop inside the building and nearby Kapiolani Park.
Let's add one more memory from your Waikiki trip right here!
Souvenirs from the gift shop
There is a gift shop inside the building, featuring a selection of ocean-themed goods, art, jewelry, and books.
One-of-a-kind art pieces, tea sets, and more,Items You Can Only Find HereYou'll find those, too.
Proceeds from sales go toward the aquarium's programs, exhibits, and research, so every purchase you make directly supports the aquarium.
Engraving the aquarium design on a pennyCommemorative Coin Machine...so it's perfect as a souvenir from your trip!
Kapiolani Park
Right next to the aquarium is Kapiolani Park, which features a large lawn.
Since the aquarium doesn't sell food, bring a light snack to enjoy in the park.picnicIt's nice to enjoy that, too.
The Honolulu Zoo is located near the park, and beach destinations such as Sans Souci Beach and Queen's Beach are also nearby.
Why not spend a full half-day there, including a visit to the aquarium?
Access: 20 minutes by car from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Waikiki Aquarium
Adults: $12; children (ages 4–12): $5; seniors (age 65 and older): $5. Children 3 and under are free, and no reservation is required for a standard tour. Prices are subject to change, so please check the official website for the latest information before your visit.
Yes, you can get there by taking TheBus routes 14, 19, 20, or 22, or the Waikiki Trolley Green Line. It’s also about a 20- to 30-minute walk from the center of Waikiki.
The tour typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Since there is no café on the premises, we recommend eating before you visit.
summary
The Waikiki Aquarium is located in Waikiki,Within walking distance...It's a spot where you can enjoy Hawaii's marine life in a compact setting.
After seeing the monk seals and giant clams, be sure to check out the gift shop and Kapiolani Park, too!
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
