Waikiki Aquarium
Honolulu, Hawaii, US
Waikiki Aquarium, perched on Honolulu’s famous Waikiki shoreline, is the city’s top‑ranked public aquarium. It immerses visitors in Pacific marine life, from vibrant Hawaiian reef species to resident monk seals, offering a compact, family‑friendly glimpse of ocean ecosystems.
Why choose Waikiki Aquarium
You’ll walk from the beach straight into clear tanks that let you see reef fish up close, something you can’t get at larger mainland aquariums. The experience feels personal, with knowledgeable staff guiding you through the unique Hawaiian marine environment.
Best for: Families · Kids · First-timers · Photography
Start your Waikiki morning at the aquarium
Begin with the Waikiki Aquarium, then walk to the Honolulu Zoo for more wildlife, and finish with lunch at Diamond Head Market & Grill.
- Morning — Waikiki Aquarium
- 11:00 — Honolulu Zoo
- Lunch — Diamond Head Market & Grill
Visit tips
- Check the daily schedule for monk seal feeding times, usually mid‑morning.
- Bring a light jacket; indoor tank areas can feel cool.
- Visit early morning to avoid mid‑day crowds and enjoy calmer tank lighting.
- Allow about an hour; most exhibits are concise and stroller‑friendly.
Plan your visit
- Recommended duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best time of day: Early morning, before 9:00
- Booking: not required — tickets at the gate
- Category: aquarium
- Rated 3.9 by 1872 reviewers
- Tags: family friendly, marine life, shoreline view
Nearby attractions
- Honolulu Zoo — zoo, 7 min walk
- Diamond Head Market & Grill — restaurant, 14 min walk
- Tonkatsu Tamafuji — restaurant, 15 min walk
- Musubi Cafe IYASUME — restaurant, 15 min walk
- Pioneer Saloon — restaurant, 11 min walk
- International Market Place — shopping mall, 18 min walk
More things to do in Honolulu
- USS Arizona Memorial
- Diamond Head State Monument
- Diamond Head Summit Trail
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Leonard's Bakery
- Nico's Pier 38
See all things to do in Honolulu or plan a full Honolulu itinerary with Next Getaway.