Sea Life Park Hawaii attracts animal loving visitors to enjoy marine life
- Cookie & Keller
- Jul 20, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 28
OAHU'S BEST KEPT SECRET AWAITS AT SEA LIFE PARK WITH WONDERS OF NATURE
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
"The Carpe Diem Kids"
Sea Life Park Hawaii is nestled on the sunny shores of Oahu, a must-visit destination for anyone eager to explore the magic of the ocean. Here, visitors can watch dolphins perform incredible tricks, snorkel alongside colorful fish, and learn about conservation efforts that protect Hawaii’s unique marine life. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic day by the water, or an educational adventure, Sea Life Park promises a memorable experience that brings you closer to the wonders of the sea.
IT'S 25 MINUTES AWAY from Honolulu, a pleasant ride from the bustle and hustle of Waikiki. But it's another world, a world of wonder, peace and a chance to interact with nature and its beautiful creatures.
Honolulu's Sea Life Park celebrates Hawaii's love of the sea and the ocean's magnificent residents. Among its exotic and entertaining residents are dolphins and sea lions, and even some endangered species such as the tiny, rare Humboldt penguin.
THIS WONDROUS, family friendly place also showcases a fascinating and busy aviary where tourists can feed dozens of hungry parakeets, literally at arm's length.
Animal encounters, including the park's award-winning dolphin show, are part of the enticement.
If you're planning to dine there, you'll enjoy sampling the food of a Hawaiian legend, Pink's Hot Dogs. The well known eatery makes its home at the park and offers tasty island fare, including curries and fresh fruit.
The popular park also offers one of the island's best ranked luaus, complete with authentic entertainment.
EDUCATION IS an important part of the park's mission. Families are invited to purchase annual, money-saving passes allowing for reasonable entry fees and multiple visits.
We like to take a break from driving, and enjoy the beautiful drive up the hill from Honolulu, so we book the famous Waikiki Trolley's hop-on and hop-off bus. You'll want the Blue Line for this adventure, and don't worry if the trolley is green.
The pleasant shuttle is open-air and allows spectacular views of Diamond Head, residential areas and the spectacular coast line on the drive up.
OUR FRIENDLY DRIVER stopped at several viewing points along the way, giving us an interesting preview of what we were about to behold at the park: a marine mammal preserve, bird sanctuary and aquarium.
Start practicing your Hawaiian now if you'd like to pronounce the locale correctly: the area is called Waimānalo. It is located in a lush, mountainous area near Makapuʻu Point, north of Hanauma Bay.
Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause for a selfie on the road to Sea Life Park. |
Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause for a selfie on the road to Sea Life Park. |
Once there, prepare to be delighted with the variety of exhibits, shows and user-friendly activities from bird and shark feeding, to dolphin shows -- one of the best we've seen and we're dolphin show regulars.
THE PARK's LUAU is another of the park's attractions. Some folks come for the afternoon activities then stay for the luau, ranked among the islands' best. Of the dozens on the islands, it's the only one that offers games and participation activities.
While awaiting the traditional luau feast, people enjoy lei making, fish net throwing and ukulele lessons. The buffet is considered "tops" for its colorful variety of island delicacies and of course the traditional umu-roasted pig -- the word means earth oven and a luau wouldn't be a luau without this delicious main course offering.
While you're digesting and listening to live Hawaiian music, you can watch nimble climbers scale coconut trees.
IF YOU want to partake of the luau, you'll need to drive your car or take a taxi or Uber, because the trolley doesn't operate at night. But if you're making a day trip of it, the Waikiki Trolley is a perfect choice. It's a delightful trip and operates on a convenient hourly schedule. You can time your visit to stay a couple hours or more, and be outside the entrance at the appropriate time.
Entrance fees go to supporting the endeavor, and are lower than most marine playgrounds offering similar activities and critter attractions.
Adults 13 and older pay $39.99; junior admission, for those 3 to 12 years old, is $24.99. If you're feeling flush, you can also book a dolphin encounter -- we did this for our family party of six on the Big Island at Hilton Waikoloa Village and it was a thrill for all.
To touch, observe and swim with them, in a supervised encounter, is $179.99 per person.
The park is 20 acres and boasts 2,000 animals. Well worth a day trip and terrific for families.
More information to enhance your visit:
UP NEXT: Come along with us on a a trip through Yellowstone National Park. The season is officially underway and the park is more beautiful than ever. If you haven't reserved a space yet, you may have trouble. But we have a few ideas up our sleeve for reserving short-notice rooms, and perhaps staying outside the park. The park welcomed 3.5 million visitors in 2022, and almost a half-million international nature lovers in May of 2023. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a lively spin on nature, travel, family, performance and more: www.whereiscookie.com
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