Waikiki Aquarium
Waikiki Aquarium
Waikiki Aquarium
2777 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815-4027, U.S.A.
(808)923-9741
Have you ever looked into the eye of a zebra shark? Seen an octopus opening a jar? Or met the real-life versions of Dori and Nemo? Located next to a living coral reef, the award winning Waikiki Aquarium brings guests face-to-fin with colorful tropical fish, reef sharks, living corals, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, sea jellies, squid, octopus and more!
Our exhibits, programs, and research focus on the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. Over 3,000 marine animals in our exhibits represent more than 500 species of aquatic animals and plants. Every year, 320,000 people including 25,000 school age children visit the Waikiki Aquarium.
The Waikiki Aquarium has been designated as the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center for the Pacific Island Region of the Coastal America Partnership.
Looking Forward
A Note from Dr. Andrew Rossiter
Another year has flown by at the Waikîkî Aquarium, during which time we have seen many changes — and the year ahead promises even more.
Installation of our new electrical system is now underway and operations are moving to the inside of the Aquarium fence. The project is slated for completion by mid-March. This is the first major upgrade of our electrical system since the building was constructed in 1955 and we relish the new opportunities that the improved energy supply will bring.
Energy conservation is also foremost in our minds. Recently we installed a solar water heater for the staff showers, and we are investigating galvanic cell arrays to generate electricity from solar power.
The biggest changes in the galleries this year will be seen in Gallery 4. Foremost will be the construction of a major new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit. The existing Hanauma Bay exhibit will change to highlight the marine life of Johnston Island. And two other exhibits will make way for a large showcase of Hawaiian streams — complete with waterfall.
Several decades ago, the Waikîkî Aquarium was among the first to realize that an aquarium had to be more than simply a collection of fishes in glass cages. The Waikiki Aquarium was a pioneer in promoting research, public education and conservation and today it continues to forge the way both nationally and internationally.
In this light, we are especially excited by the consolidation of some existing partnerships and the beginning of some new relationships. I recently attended a Coastal America meeting in Washington D.C. As a founding member of this group and one of a handful of Coastal America Learning Centers, I look forward to the Aquarium henceforth playing a more active role in that organization. As a first step, we will house a new information console, linked to the mother console housed in the Smithsonian.
We are forging stronger links with NOAA, particularly in its work with the humpback whale sanctuary and the Papahånaumokuåkea national monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. We are consolidating our relationships with the National Marine Fisheries Service Hawaiian monk seal program. And we will continue our expanded research efforts with the university — two exciting upcoming projects involve lobster development and environmental monitoring.
In all these examples, we and our partners have shared goals. By working together, we can achieve far more.
The current economic climate has affected the Aquarium in terms of lower attendance and decreased revenues, but it has in no way detracted from our enthusiasm, our vision and our resolve to provide residents and visitors with the world-class aquarium and marine information center that Hawai‘i so increasingly needs and so richly deserves.
From all of us here at the Aquarium, may 2009 bring you happiness and prosperity.
Mahalo!
Yours cordially,
Andrew Rossiter, Waikiki Aquarium Director, Signature
Dr. Andrew Rossiter
Director
Copyright © 2007 Waikiki Aquarium. All Rights Reserved.
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