Sea Life Park

Marine Park by the Sea

Sea Life Park Hawaii- Hawaii’s famous marine park features a 300,000-gallon aquarium, sea lions, dolphins, turtles and more. Get hands-on with Splash U.

The bellow of sea lions, antics of dolphins and stodgy waddle of penguins delight visitors to this marine park right on the ocean at scenic Makapuu.

Highlights include a 300,000-gallon aquarium filled with 2,000 species of vibrant marine life and regularly scheduled dolphin shows in beautiful Whaler’s Cove.

Visit the Sea Lion Feeding Pool, Sea Turtle Lagoon, Hawaiian Reef Exhibit and Pirate's Lagoon. Chuckle at the slippery antics on stage at the Kolohe Kai Sea Lion Show.

Tons of souvenirs at a variety of gift shops and eateries make the day complete. Located on the east tip of Oahu, Sea Life Park offers free parking or $5 round-trip shuttle service from many Waikiki hotels. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, (808)259-7933.

Ask about the Sea Life Park’s interactive programs. Splash U is where students can touch, teach and interact with bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin Adventures is your chance to know dolphins the way few people do. Learn about dolphin anatomy and get involved in their training. Seawalker takes you to the bottom of the reef without getting wet. Each is at additional cost, (808)259-7933, ext. 3.

Oahu’s best dives are offshore and the island is a favorite for wreck diving. Two other popular sites are a spot just south of Waianae, where the Mahi—a 185-foot mine sweeper—rests, and Kahuna Canyon near Mokuleia. It’s described as an “underwater Grand Canyon,” where crabs, octopi, lobster, trevally, parrot fish abound. To explore airplane or ship wrecks or to go night diving, go with a company that has experience.

Most vendors offer introductory dives and certification courses, and provide transportation to the site.