Sea Life Park

Sea Life Park is an East Oahu marine-life park near Makapu'u, known for dolphin programs, sea lion presentations, honu, seabirds and coastal views.

Sea Life Park Hawaii, Oahu

Located on Oahu's southeastern tip by Makapuu Point, just 15 miles east of Waikiki, Sea Life Park is Hawaii's premier marine attraction. Here you can enjoy up-close views of dolphins, sea lions, manta rays, penguins, stingrays and many other marine animals. Plus you'll have a chance to see the world's only “Wolphin,” a mix between a whale and a dolphin.

Explore the park and say hello to the marine animals, sit back and watch the thrilling shows, or if you want to get wet, you can swim with dolphins in the park's large lagoon. They even offer an underwater trek that allows you to walk 18 feet down among many colorful tropical fish.

Attractions at Sea Life Park include:

Dolphin Cove

Watch a couple of dolphins perform wide acrobatics in an ocean-side lagoon that even features its own private island. You'll sit in a large open-air theater and can also enjoy great coastline views.

Hawaiian Reef

This huge reef aquarium offers up-close views of Hawaii's underwater ecosystem. You'll get to see more than 2,000 reef animals, including turtles, colorful tropical fish, stingrays and even sharks.

Stingray Lagoon

Get face to face with these fascinating creatures of the ocean. This lagoon provides an authentic environment for these shy marine animals.

Sea Turtle Lagoon

Not only is this lagoon an interesting exhibit – it is also a breeding sanctuary for the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). To date, more than 2,200 hatchlings have been produced here and many of them have been released to the open ocean.

Hawaiian Ocean Theater

In the center of this theater is a large glass tank and from the benches surrounding it you'll be able to watch dolphins perform from above and below the surface of the water. You'll also learn about the newest training techniques and Sea Life Park's conservation efforts.

Penguin Habitat

Here you can see 11 Humboldt penguins, which are native to South America and also an endangered species. This habitat at Sea Life Park serves as a comfortable breeding site.

Rocky Shores

This exhibit showcases Hawaii's intertidal wildlife. Intertidal is the area that is sometimes land and sometimes sea. You'll get to see animals that have made this intertidal zone their home.

The general admission package at Sea Life Park gives you access to all of the abovementioned attractions. For the adventurous among you, the park also offers a couple of more hands-on packages, where you'll even have the chance to get in the water with the animals. Here is an overview of the other packages:

Dolphin Encounter

If you've ever dreamed of interacting closely with dolphins, here's your chance! You'll stand in the pool on a waist-deep platform and be able to caress and kiss the dolphins and watch them perform their wide tricks. If you feel comfortable, you may also leave the platform and venture into slightly deeper water to participate in some fun activities with the dolphins.

Keep in mind that the minimum age to participate in this activity is 1 year. Children under the age of 6 are free of charge and children from 6 to 12 pay the children fee (children younger than 8 must come with a paying adult per child). Pregnant women may not participate in this program.

Program duration: 45 minutes
General park admission included in the price

Dolphin Swim Adventure

With this program, you'll enjoy an exciting belly-ride, a memorable kiss and some free time with these magnificent mammals. You'll be able to touch the dolphins, pose for a big kiss, perform several fun activities and you'll even have the chance to view them underwater. Your trainer will tell you lots of interesting facts and info about the dolphins.

Keep in mind that the minimum age to participate in this activity is 8 years. Children from 8 to 12 years of age must be accompanied by one paying adult per child. Pregnant women may not participate in this activity.

Program duration: 45 minutes
General park admission included in the price

Dolphin Royal Swim

Ready for the royal swim? This dolphin package is a highlight of Sea Life Park Hawaii. After a loving handshake and a kiss on your cheek by the two dolphins, you are in for an exciting dorsal fin ride. After that get ready for the foot push – you'll feel all the dolphins' energy and strength as they push you across the water from the bottom of your feet.

Please not that the minimum age to participate in this activity is 8 years (minimum height of 4 feet). Children from 8 to 12 years of age must come with a paying adult (per child) as a companion. Pregnant women may not participate in this program.

Program duration: 45 minutes
General park admission included in the price

Hawaiian Ray Encounter

Did you know that rays are actually the docile distant cousins of sharks? Come face to face with these amazing marine creatures right here at the park. You'll get to snorkel by their side and experience their mysterious personality. You may touch and even feed them.

Keep in mind that the minimum age to participate in this program is 4 years (minimum height of 40 inches). Children 4 to 6 years of age must be accompanied by one paying adult per child as a companion. Pregnant women may not participate in this activity.

Program duration: 40 minutes (25 minutes under water)
General park admission included in the price

Sea Lion Discovery Swim

Enjoy some close moments with an adorable and loving family of sea lions. You may even pet, hug and kiss them. Watch them carry out their daring water acrobatics and wide jumps. You can also help their trainer give out instructions using a special signal system.

Keep in mind that the minimum age to participate in this activity is 8 years. Children 8 to 12 years of age must come with one paying adult per child as a companion. Pregnant women may not participate in this program.

Program duration: 30 minutes
General park admission included in the price

Sea Trek Adventure

This is a unique opportunity for an underwater stroll at about 18 feet below the surface in the Hawaiian Reef Tank. You'll encounter eels, which undoubtedly belong to some of the strangest species on Earth; stingrays, which will amaze you with their prehistoric body shape; enchanting sea turtles and a variety of colorful tropical fish. You'll even have the chance to feed these fascinating marine creatures of the deep.

Keep in mind that the minimum age to participate in this activity is 13 years. Pregnant women may not participate.

Program duration: 40 minutes
General park admission included in the price.

Key Features

Marine-life park on Oahu's southeastern shore
Located near Makapu'u and Waimanalo
Open daily except Tuesdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Online general admission currently listed at $49.99 for adults and $39.99 for children ages 4 to 12
Children ages 3 and under are admitted free
Animal encounters and some programs require separate reservations
Aloha Kai Luau operates on select evenings
Hale Manu Aviary access may have limited daily hours
Scheduled talks and presentations vary by day
Coastal setting with Rabbit Island and Makapu'u views nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sea Life Park different from a regular aquarium?

Sea Life Park is an outdoor marine-life park, so the visit mixes animal habitats, scheduled talks, presentations and optional encounters instead of only indoor exhibits.

What animals are visitors most likely to see?

The park commonly highlights dolphins, sea lions, honu, Hawaiian monk seals, penguins, seabirds, sharks and reef-life exhibits, though daily programs can change.

Is Sea Life Park connected with Aloha Kai Luau?

Yes. Aloha Kai Luau is held at Sea Life Park on select evenings, and luau packages can include park admission depending on the ticket type.

Why is the setting scenic?

The park sits below the Makapu'u sea cliffs with views toward Rabbit Island, so the drive and the park grounds both have a strong East Oahu coastal setting.

What should families check before booking?

Look at the daily presentation schedule, animal-program age rules and whether the Hale Manu Aviary or specific encounters are operating during your visit.