Fascinating marine animals await you at the end of a mere half- hour drive out of Waikīkī. Follow Kalaniana‘ole Highway east and up the Makapu‘u coastline — one of the most scenic drives on the island — to arrive at SEA LIFE PARK , situated directly across from Makapu‘u Beach and “Rabbit Island.” This East O‘ahu attraction is a place to enjoy the company of dolphins, monk seals, sea lions, rays, sharks, native fidsh and more!
With a focus on educational and INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS , Sea Life Park is small enough to enjoy on foot, but diverse enough to be a full-day destination. Shows and talk sessions with trainers, held throughout the park, are included with the price of admission, as are hands-on exhibits like the TOUCH POOL and HALE MANU BIRD AVIARY.
A “hidden gem” of the park is THE HAWAIIAN REEF ENCOUNTER , which allows you to touch the silky- soft wings of giant, gentle stingrays, feed tropical fidsh and share the water with a gorgeous juvenile reef shark. And if you dare, take a trek down into the 300,000-gallon tank with full- grown hammerhead and reef sharks.
Touch, feed and swim with DOLPHINS just minutes from Waikīkī at DOLPHIN QUEST O‘AHU . Located at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, Dolphin Quest offers guests the unforgettable opportunity to meet dolphins up close in a large, ocean water lagoon. Visitors can watch or participate in these inspiring and educational dolphin encounters for both the young and the young at heart.
WAIKĪKĪ AQUARIUM also features multiple keiki (children) activities that bring young ones face-to-face with marine life like living reefs, algae, starfidsh and more. Best to check with its website (waikikiaquarium.org) to see a calendar of events.
