Waikiki Aquarium

The Waikiki Aquarium at 2777 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, is one of the oldest public aquariums in the United States, opened in 1904 and now run by the University of Hawaii at Manoa. It sits on the shoreline next to Kapiolani Park and the Natatorium, a short walk from Waikiki's main beach area. The aquarium is compact but focused on Pacific marine life, with exhibits devoted to Hawaiian reef fish, a living coral reef, jellies, seahorses, giant clams and the endangered Hawaiian monk seals that live in an outdoor habitat. A highlight is the chambered nautilus, which has been kept and displayed here for many years. Indoor galleries cover Hawaii's reefs, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and the wider Pacific, while an outdoor shark exhibit and a touch area bring visitors closer to the animals. Signs explain conservation, local cultural names for species, and research done on site. An audio guide is included with admission. Most visits take one to one and a half hours, and mornings are quietest. Midday brings school groups and tour parties. The best photo angles are at the monk seal habitat and the coral reef tank, where lighting is gentle. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for ages 4 to 12 and seniors, and $8 for Hawaii students, kamaaina and military, with children 3 and under free. The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a few holiday closures, and the walk from Kuhio Beach takes about 15 minutes along Kalakaua Avenue.