Sun, sand, beaches, volcanoes, and jungle are the main attractions of Hawaii; however, if you want to change up the itinerary, consider visiting some of the best zoos and aquariums across the islands.
At these destinations, you can view and interact with exotic land- and sea-based animals, frolic and play with intelligent dolphins, or view colorful coral and tiny seahorses.
While Hawaii has several aquariums, few zoos are within a 2,300-mile radius.
The Honolulu Zoo is the largest, with over 900 specimens of around 220 species, so you can make an entire day of visiting the zoo!
Keep reading to learn more about the best zoos and aquariums if you’re visiting Hawaii and want to treat the family to a unique experience!
8 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Hawaii
Given the small size and population of Hawaii, there are several aquariums and a few zoos you can visit, which include:
Eight: Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
To have the unique experience possible when visiting the islands, you must visit the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm, which specializes in seahorse protection and conservation.
At the farm, you will learn about these colorful and small marine animals that are rare to see randomly in nature.
The farm boasts over 15,000 seahorse species, with 17 hatched on the grounds.
The location also features a small gift shop to purchase excellent souvenirs.
The Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm is suitable for groups of all ages and is a family-friendly activity that allows children to learn more about these often-overlooked sea creatures!
Seven: Mokupapapa Discovery Center
At the top of the best of the list is the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, which allows visitors to learn more about Hawaii’s land and sea-based animals.
Also, this destination instructs guests about the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands and surrounding environment, as well as the natural sciences.
In addition, the facility aims to increase public awareness of regional and ocean conservation issues.
The exhibit features a 30,000-galloon saltwater aquarium, Hawaiian culture-inspired artwork, interpretive paintings, island wildlife models, and interactive educational exhibitions.
The Mokupapapa Discovery Center is a family-friendly destination that is an excellent option for groups.
Six: Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
Number six on this list is the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, which is a 12-acre facility and the only rainforest-type zoo in the U.S.
With over 80 animal species, including giant lizards, lemurs, giant ants, crocodiles, capuchins, goats, and tigers.
The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is free to visit and includes a playground for children, making it an excellent family-friendly activity.
Located in Hilo, the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens opened in 1978 in its current permanent location.
The zoo also features stunning botanical gardens, so you can enjoy both when visiting.
Other attractions include the petting zoo of goats, tortoises, ponies, guinea pigs, chickens, and rabbits.
Five: Sea Life Park Hawaii
Located on Waimanalo Beach, Sea Life Park Hawaii is home to various natural and beautiful sea creatures in a serene and stunning setting, typically found in the region.
The interactive dolphin program allows your family to engage with mammals, penguins, and turtles.
Additionally, you can sign up for a shark, stingray, or seal encounter to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures.
Sea Life Park focuses on transforming marine life into a dazzling display that will educate, delight, and entertain visitors.
Some of the most famous park residents are whales from the Puget Sound, California sea lions, and Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins.
Watch these sea creatures go through their daily motions while delighting children (and adults) of all ages.
Four: Maui Ocean Center
Featuring a 750,000-gallon chamber and over 60 continuously running exhibits, the Maui Ocean Center’s excellent location allows visitors to view marine life in their natural state.
With a focus on preserving active marine ecosystems, from lagoons to coral, the center features Maui’s only shark-diving activity.
In addition, the center offers a variety of exploration areas like the Turtle Lagoon, Open Ocean, Hammerhead Harbor, and the Living Reef.
These sections feature animals like sharks, moray eels, turtles, and octopi.
The Open Ocean is the most popular attraction, which allows visitors to enter an underwater tunnel to view Hawaii’s local marine life.
You could easily get lost in the Maui Ocean Center due to the sheer number of activities and exhibits, so pick those that appeal most to you and your family.
Three: Dolphin Quest
With two locations – Hawaii and Oahu, Dolphin Quest is a lagoon where you can swim and interact with dolphins in their natural saltwater habitat.
Established in 1988, the water is pumped into the lagoon from a tidal well dug into the porous lava rock.
The well produces an unlimited supply of water sifted through the rock at 10,000 gallons per minute.
As a result, the Dolphin Lagoon is one of Earth’s most natural and largest dolphin habitats.
While swimming with dolphins, it’s common to see green sea turtles, various fish species, and the occasional monk seal.
The site is comprised of five buildings: the check-in desk, the Grand Lanai, which offers a stunning view; the Encounter Club, which is an interactive area of the village, the Learning Center; and the Gift and PhotoShop.
Two: Waikiki Aquarium
Opened in 1904, the Waikiki Aquarium is the oldest in the U.S.!
Located in Honolulu near the beach in Kapiolani Park, the Waikiki Aquarium is home to many of Hawaii’s local marine life.
Operated and owned by the University of Hawaii, the Waikiki Aquarium is an underwater zoo that focuses on how the marine ecosystem works with a symbiotic relationship.
The aquarium boasts six enjoyable viewing species: Hawaiian Monk Seals, Giant Clams and Coral Reefs, Pygmy Angelfish Exhibit, Seahorse Exhibits, Hawaiian Reefs, and an area devoted entirely to sharks.
In addition, this facility features a tremendous variety of mammals, fish, and invertebrates, so you will see all types of animals, from seals to anemones.
One: Honolulu Zoo
If you’re swinging through or staying in Honolulu, you must stop at the Honolulu Zoo, especially with your family.
Opened in 1916, the Honolulu Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. and has become one of the most popular attractions on the island.
Located next to Waikiki near Diamond Head, the zoo is easily accessible from across the area.
Boasting over 900 animal types, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, the Honolulu Zoo has plenty to offer visitors.
The most popular residents include elephants, aardvarks, and Komodo dragons.
The zoo is divided into four principal areas: The African Savannah, The Children’s Zoo, The Pacific Islands, and The Tropical Forest.
Each area has animals specific to that world region, with the Pacific Islands section boasting animals from the local ecosystem.
In addition to seeing rare animals, visitors can also learn about how native species have influenced Hawaiian culture and history.
8 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Hawaii – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm | 73-4388 Ilikai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA |
| Mokupapapa Discovery Center | 76 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA |
| Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens | 800 Stainback Hwy, Hilo, HI 96720, USA |
| Sea Life Park Hawaii | 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo Beach, HI 96795, USA |
| Maui Ocean Center | 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA |
| Dolphin Quest | 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States |
| Waikiki Aquarium | 2777 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States |
| Honolulu Zoo | 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top tips for visiting zoos and aquariums in Hawaii?
Given Hawaii’s generally pleasant weather, there are only a few weeks out of the year when tourism slows, so zoos and aquariums can be busy.
Therefore, it’s essential to follow these tips to maximize your time:
- Arrive early to maximize your day – zoos and aquariums have several activities, attractions, and sections to enjoy, so arriving late gives you less time to explore.
- Bring extra clothes and shoes – when interacting with animals or marine life, expect to get dirty or wet, so having a change of clothes and different shoes will ensure comfortability the rest of the day.
- Buy tickets in advance – while you can purchase tickets on-site, websites offer various discounted prices for popular zoos and aquariums, plus you don’t have to stand in line.
- Pack food or buy it outside the destination – while zoos and aquariums have many food options, they can be overpriced. In this case, it’s better to budget for other costs like transportation or attractions.
- Research zoos in advance – understand the best options, trip cost, available exhibits, and the distance from your accommodations.
What is the largest zoo in Hawaii?
The Honolulu Zoo features over 900 animals from tropical climates and is the largest zoo in 2,000 miles.
Located in the shadow of Diamon Head, the zoo is sprawling 42.5 acres in Queen Kapiolani Park, which gives the animals plenty of room to roam and enjoy their lives.
Does Hawaii have SeaWorld?
No, the closest equivalent is Sea Life Park Hawaii, a marine mammal park, aquarium, and bird sanctuary.
If you’re used to a Florida- or California-type SeaWorld, Seal Life Park is much different but incredibly informative and interesting.
Is the Maui Ocean Center worth visiting?
For those visiting Hawaii, you will come across countless activities, which cannot be enjoyed in a short vacation period, so you must choose the best attractions.
The Maui Center Ocean Center often comes up on the must-visit lists.
However, is it worth your time?
If you care about conserving the underwater ecosystem and learning more about marine life around Hawaii, the Maui Ocean Center is an excellent attraction worth visiting.
With a sprawling yet easily navigable campus, engaging and knowledgeable staff, and stunning exhibits, there’s something to learn and enjoy at every turn.
The Maui Ocean Center is ideal for visitors of all ages to view, learn, and interact with various marine life.
Is there an underwater hotel in Hawaii?
Although not a public aquarium or zoo, the Muraka at Conrad’s Rangali Island is considered the world’s first underwater luxury hotel.
The two-story suite is a honeymoon-worthy luxury accommodation with an undersea primary bedroom with a 180-degree dome to view aquatic life.
This hotel room gives you even better views of marine life without the lines.
