Waikiki Aquarium is nestled between Queen’s Surf Beach and Kapi’olani Regional Park in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is one of the island’s main attractions, showcasing an abundance of marine life from the Hawaiian waters. Within a short walk of pristine beaches, Honolulu Zoo and Diamond Head State Monument, Waikiki Aquarium is an easy venue to reach, and a joy to visit with all the family.
The Edge of the Reef" exhibit in Waikiki Aquarium is a 7,500-gallon outdoor complex which recreates a Hawaiian shoreline habitat. It showcases fish which visitors would typically see while out snorkelling in Hawaii’s reefs, including parrotfish, yellow tangs and red pencil urchins. Corals are a focal point of the aquarium, as the display of potato chip and cat’s eye corals are exceptional. Visitors will learn how corals grow, reproduce and even build their own skeletons. The Hawaiian Marine Communities exhibit is particularly interesting for first-time visitors to the islands. The gallery exhibits sea life from each of the Hawaiian Islands and displays rare fishes and invertebrates which are usually not seen above one hundred feet of depth. Following a visit to the Aquarium, options for the remainder of the day are endless. Those wishing to spend a relaxing afternoon will enjoy a picnic or stroll around Queen Kapi’olani Regional Park. The park is home to Honolulu Zoo, tennis and basketball courts and even an archery range. Walk onto the Kapi’olani stretch of beach, and with a backdrop of swaying palms and soft golden sand, it’s a perfect way to spend the remainder of the day.
Reaching Waikiki Aquarium is easy. The local trolley bus green line operates to the aquarium, and there are several buses which stop outside. Parking is available on Kalakaua Avenue for visitors with rental cars. Some of the bays are dedicated solely for visitors to Waikiki Aquarium. Walking from Diamond Head lookout point or the hustle and bustle of downtown Waikiki takes 30 minutes.
Waikiki Aquarium has a long history. During the early 1900s, it was known as Honolulu Aquarium and was one of the oldest public aquariums in the United States. It was first established and opened with 35 tanks to show Hawaii’s abundant marine life to the rest of the world. Today, Waikiki Aquarium is one of the most popular city attractions with impressive coral farms, seal habitats and an abundance of sea life from the Hawaiian Islands and the South Pacific Ocean.
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