Waikiki Aquarium

By Bebaychna on July 1, 2011 in Places To Visit

The Waikiki Aquarium was earlier known as the Honolulu Aquarium. It was initially established by the Honolulu Rapid Transit and Land Company for the commercial purpose. This aquarium is the third oldest aquarium in the world which has various exhibits showing the diverse marine organisms and flaunts to the world the riches of the Hawaii reef.

Picture 1: Waikiki Aquarium, Hawaii

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com

Waikiki Aquarium Location

The Waikiki Aquarium is located at the shoreline in 2777 Kalakaua Avenue. It is a walking distance from the Waikiki Beach. The Waikiki Aquarium was founded in 19^th march 1904. It is the third oldest aquarium in the United States. Since 1919, the University of Hawaii took over the administration of the Waikiki Aquarium.

Waikiki Aquarium History

Charles M. Cooke, the director of the transit company had gifted $8000 for the construction of the aquarium and James B. Castle also had put on some contribution. Considering the state of the art at that time, the aquarium had opened with 35 tanks and 400 marine organisms and had received several commendable appreciations. The Waikiki Aquarium had its first director in 1904, Frederick A. Potter, who was a clerk at the Honolulu transit company. During the first 15 years when the aquarium was run by a private financed institution, the aquarium used to display the marine organisms collected by the local fishermen. But later with the funds received from the C.M. Cooke Estate for the marine biology laboratory, a research tradition was established.

Picture 2: Inside Waikiki Aquarium

Source: www.hawaiifeeling.com

Waikiki Aquarium Exhibits

The Waikiki Aquarium at present showcases around 500 marine organisms and has more than 3000 marine specimens. There are particularly six exhibits which takes us to the world of Pacific Marine Communities and the South Pacific region. The Waikiki Aquarium also lays emphasis on conservation and educational programs. The six exhibits are as follows:

The Galleries at the Aquarium: the galleries at the aquarium exhibit the wonders of the tropical pacific and the Hawaii. There some marine animals found only in the freshwater of the Hawaii native streams. The exhibit signifies the diversity and the adaption of sea animals, also the cultural significance of the animals.

Corals are Alive: the Hawaii coral reef is one of the youngest and the most isolated reef of the world. Learn about the corals; watch an informative video about them. Waikiki Aquarium has even cultivated corals in aquarium which usually requires low nutrient, clean water, warm temperature and a bright sunlight provided by the outdoor environment. The coral require a turbulent water motion therefore they have set up a surge device has been installed to create an ocean like environment. Like the living jewels, the corals displayed at this exhibit are a marvel to watch.

Edge of the Reef: this exhibit showcases the wonderful marine organisms of the Hawaii reef. It displays profile of marine organisms found on the rocky edges of the Hawaii which includes the butterfly fish, parrot fish, yellow tang, sea cucumber, rice coral, and bright red pencil urchins.

Hawaiian Monk Seal: intense conservation efforts have been made by the authorities of the Waikiki Aquarium to help the rare Hawaiian monk seal from extinction. There are two adult Hawaiian monk seals named as Nuka’au and Maka onaona. Research work is carried out to study the behavioral pattern, metabolism and physiology of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

Ocean Aquaculture: this exhibit focuses on conservation and rears the popular marine organisms in captivity. The Ocean aquaculture exhibit showcases the pacific six fingered threadfin which was usually raised in Hawaiian fish ponds and were food especially for the royalty. The fish that the Waikiki aquarium displays are the captive bred by the Anuenue Fisheries. The reduction in the number of marine organism has added to the pressure for such conservation methods.

The Northwestern Hawaiian Island Exhibits: this exhibit features the marine ecology in the northwestern Hawaiian island which otherwise are absent in the main Hawaiian island. There are interactive screen which provides better information on the biodiversity, ecology and the significance on the conservation of the marine ecosystem.

There is a section of the Ocean drifters where they display jelly fish, sea jellies which are found locally and abroad. Lagoon jelly, white spotted jelly and moon jelly can be seen gracefully swimming through the exhibits.

There is a theme gallery called the diversity and adaptation. Here we get to see the remarkable behavior of some of the marine organisms that adapt and gain edge on competitors and its predators and its prey.

Picture 3: Hawaiian Monk Seal, Waikiki Aquarium

Source: www.noaanews.noaa.gov

The aquarium has been initiating the marine conservation and has been the forefront of scientific research. None of the other aquarium had taken such activities. The aquarium involves itself in the research of the lobster lifecycles, metabolism and physiology of the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, growth pattern in giant clams. The Aquarium also provides the necessary facilities and its expertise to support the research and conservation efforts of the scientist and the students of the University of Hawaii. Since 1978, the Waikiki Aquarium has maintained live corals and has the oldest and largest collection of corals in United States.

Waikiki Aquarium Fees

Waikiki Aquarium fees are as follows:

Children 4 and below (accompanied by an adult): Free
Children 5 to 12: $2
Youth (13 to 17) and person with disability: $4
Seniors 65 and above, students with valid ID, Kama’aina residents: $6
Adults: $9

Waikiki Aquarium Operating Hours

The Aquarium closes on the following days:

Honolulu Marathon Day: 11^th Dec, 2011
Christmas Day: 25^th Dec, 2011

Regular days: 9am to 4:30pm

Special Days:

Beyond the reef event (10^th June): 9am to 4pm
Thanksgiving day (24^th Nov): 9am to 2.30pm
New Year’s day(1^st Jan): 11am to 4.30pm

Picture 4: Coral at Waikiki Aquarium

Source: www.pbase.com

The riches of the Hawaiian Reef can be seen in the Waikiki Aquarium. The various exhibits, research and programs showcases the diverse aquatic life of the Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. It is located near the living coral reef and the visitors get the opportunity to come face to face with the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, the colorful marine organisms of the Hawaii, the living corals, the reef sharks, the various kinds of jelly fishes, squids and Octopus. Thousands of visitors particularly the students visit the Waikiki Aquarium each year.