FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS:
Caroline Witherspoon or Taryn Bohan
Becker Communications, Inc.
(808) 533-4165
WAIKĪKĪ AQUARIUM TO REOPEN ON JULY 1
HONOLULU (FINAL) – Get ready to swim on over to the Waikīkī Aquarium once again!
After over a year of closure due to the pandemic, the Aquarium doors are re-opening to
the public Thursday, July 1, 2021.
“We’re excited to finally be able to welcome guests back to our jewel of an aquarium,”
said Dr. Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikīkī Aquarium. “As the second oldest
aquarium in the United States and one of the longest running establishments in Hawai’i,
Waikīkī Aquarium has educated several generations and made a national and
international impact in marine conservation efforts throughout the world. We were
fortunate enough to survive through these hard times, and I am thankful that Waikīkī
Aquarium can continue to spread its mission.”
Visitors can enjoy a safe and educational experience with safety guidelines in place. To
control capacity, tickets may be purchased in advance online. Walk-ins are available on
a limited first-come-first-serve basis and must pay using a credit card. There will also
be a restriction on the number of guests allowed in the Aquarium galleries at a given
time.
Other health and safety protocols include:
- Requiring facial coverings at all times for visitors over the age of two
- Social distancing of at least 6 ft.
- Clear acrylic barriers at the Front Desk and Gift Shop
- Hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility
- Frequent cleaning and sanitization of high-touch areas
- All touch screens, informational kiosks, and other high-touch technologies have been decommissioned until further notice.
COVID restrictions will be relaxed based on federal and state guidelines.
“It has been a challenging year, but we have exciting things planned for the Aquarium in
the upcoming years, “Andrew Rossiter, Director of the Waikīkī Aquarium stated. “The
money we were relying on for a renovation failed to materialize, but now the University
is kindly getting involved. We’re now looking at doing more than the renovation, but a
major construction project in the future. The University’s support, input, and expertise
will allow us to undertake significant fundraising programs, and give us the ability to
move into the future”.
The project will include work on the lawn area in order to make room for new exhibits,
an education center, lecture rooms, and facilities to modernize the aquarium. While the
Aquarium renovates and repairs the Hawaiian Monk Seal exhibit, resident seal
Ho‘ailona is temporarily moved behind the scenes and will later be transferred to the
mainland. He will be back with us in summer 2022. During his time away, he will be part
of a one-year-long behavioral study of monk seals which will contribute towards
conservation efforts for this endangered species in the wild.
With a mission to inspire and promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation of
Pacific marine life, the Waikīkī Aquarium features an array of indoor and outdoor
exhibits. Visitors are able to come face to face with living corals, giant clams, weedy
seadragons, and a diverse collection of other marine animals.
For more information or reservations call (808) 923-9741 or visit
www.waikikiaquarium.org/visit/hours/.
About the Waikiki Aquarium
Founded in 1904 and administered by the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa since 1919,
the Waikiki Aquarium is located on the shoreline of Waikiki Beach next to a living reef
and across from Kapiolani Park. The Aquarium – second oldest in the U.S.
showcases more than 500 marine species, and maintains more than 3,500 marine
specimens. Public exhibits, education programs, and research activities focus on the
unique aquatic life of Hawai‘i and the tropical Pacific. The Aquarium typically welcomes
more than 280,000 visitors annually and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except
Honolulu Marathon Sunday and Christmas Day. Admission is $12 for visitors; $8 for
local residents and active-duty military with ID, $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages
four to 12; and free for children three and under and Friends of Waikiki Aquarium
(FOWA) members. For more information about the Waikiki Aquarium, including
membership, call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.
WAIKIKI AQUARIUM TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On behalf of everyone at the Waikiki Aquarium, our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19—this includes not only those diagnosed with the virus, but also their friends and family, those whose jobs, schools and studies have been impacted, and so many more. Our focus is, as always, on the health and safety of our employees, visitors and the local community.
The situation is changing rapidly, and to do our part in slowing the spread of the virus, we have made the prudent decision, based upon CDC, State of Hawaii and University of Hawaii at Manoa guidelines, to temporarily close the Aquarium from 5:00 PM, Tuesday, March 17th. Evening events will also be cancelled until further notice.
We realize the impact this closure can have on our staff and all who visit the Aquarium, and this is not a decision we made lightly. The Aquarium will reopen at an undecided date, based upon the COVID-19 situation.
There is no question that this is a time of great uncertainty. While we don’t know exactly what the future may hold, we feel confident that by sticking together and supporting each other, we, as a community, will emerge from this stronger than before.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Andrew Rossiter (Dr)
Director, Waikiki Aquarium
For more information about the Waikīkī Aquarium, including membership, call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.
# # #
On Saturday, February 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join Kaimuki Camera and Pro Camera Hawaii at Waikiki Aquarium!
- Get professional tips for photographing the colorful fish and coral exhibits without the use of a flash
- Free 1-hour Canon equipment loans in the lobby
- Please bring your own digital memory card, valid U.S. ID, and credit card to participate
Photo opportunities:
- – Native Hawaiian Reef Fish
- – Syngnathids …seahorses, pipefish & seadragons
- – Hawaiian Monk Seal
This event is included with regular Aquarium admission.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:
Taryn Bohan or
Courtney Liu
Becker Communications, Inc.
(808) 533–4165
WAIKIKI AQUARIUM DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES WITH DR. CHIP FLETCHER
Dr. Chip Fletcher to Address Climate Change at the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquariumʻs Distinguished Lecturer Series on April 24
HONOLULU, HI (February 20, 2018) – On Thursday, April 24, 2018, Dr. Chip Fletcher of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa will highlight the effects of climate change as part of the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium’s (FOWA’s) Distinguished Lecture Series. The discussion, “Finding Hope Under a Dark Cloud,” will take place at 6 p.m. in the Tenney Theatre at St. Andrew’s Schools. Admission is free.
“Climate change threatens the stability of civilization and the security of human communities,” said Dr. Fletcher. “The one most powerful tool that we have in overcoming this global threat is education that leads to positive action, and I hope to keep this conversation going.”
Dr. Fletcher is currently the associate dean for Academic Affairs and professor of Geology and Geophysics in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. As a researcher, he focuses on understanding the impacts of sea level rise on island shorelines, and has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and three textbooks. Dr. Fletcher has received numerous awards for teaching, community service and research.
“We’re so pleased to continue our Distinguished Lecture Series in support of the Waikīkī Aquarium’s mission to inspire and promote understanding, appreciation and conservation of Pacific marine life,” said FOWA Executive Director Keane Akao. “Dr. Fletcher’s lecture will offer an insightful look into the effects of climate change and how we should respond, based on his recent research.”
The Distinguished Lecture Series in presented in partnership with St. Andrew’s Schools and sponsored by Matson. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/distinguished-lecture-series-finding-hope-under-a-dark-cloud-tickets-44353363103.
About the Waikīkī Aquarium
Founded in 1904 and administered by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa since 1919, the Waikīkī Aquarium is located on the shoreline of Waikīkī Beach next to a living reef and across from Kapiolani Park. The Aquarium – second oldest in the U.S. – showcases more than 500 marine species, and maintains more than 3,500 marine specimens. Public exhibits, education programs and research focus on the unique aquatic life of Hawai‘i and the tropical Pacific. The Aquarium welcomes more than 320,000 visitors annually, and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Honolulu Marathon Sunday and Christmas Day. Admission is $12 for visitors; $8 for local residents and active duty military with ID, $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages four to 12; and free for children three and under and Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium (FOWA) members. For more information about the Waikīkī Aquarium, including membership, call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:
Taryn Bohan or
Courtney Liu
Becker Communications, Inc.
(808) 533–4165
WAIKIKI AQUARIUM TO HOST ANNUAL KOI SHOW
11th Annual International Aloha Koi Show to Take Place February 17th and 18th
HONOLULU, HI (Jan. 24, 2018) – Join the Waikīkī Aquarium as it hosts its annual koi show on February 17th and 18th, 2018. The 11th Annual International Aloha Koi Show will feature a select number of top-quality koi for exhibit and display. In addition, koi experts from Japan will lead educational seminars.
“The Koi Show is an exciting chance for guests to view the finest koi and broaden their knowledge of the different varieties,” said Dr. Andrew Rossiter, Waikīkī Aquarium Director. “Our annual event also offers koi to be seen beyond their decorative purposes in ponds or gardens but rather, appreciated for its unique markings, cultural significance and much more.”
Nishikigoi commonly referred to as ‘koi’ originated in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, more than 200 years ago and have since become a popular ornamental fish throughout the world. The koi is the national fish of Japan and is a combination of art and biology. The ideal koi is large and symmetrical, with clear and distinct patterns, uniform colors and an overall healthy appearance. Koi experts judge for size, symmetry, pattern and color.
The 11th Annual International Koi Show will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17th, and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18th at the Waikīkī Aquarium. The exhibition is included with Waikīkī Aquarium admission. However, guests may also purchase a two-day pass – a $24 value – for just $18.
About the Waikīkī Aquarium
Founded in 1904 and administered by the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa since 1919, the Waikīkī Aquarium is located on the shoreline of Waikīkī Beach next to a living reef and across from Kapiolani Park. The Aquarium – second oldest in the U.S. – showcases more than 500 marine species, and maintains more than 3,500 marine specimens. Public exhibits, education programs and research focus on the unique aquatic life of Hawai‘i and the tropical Pacific. The Aquarium welcomes more than 320,000 visitors annually, and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Honolulu Marathon Sunday and Christmas Day. Admission is $12 for visitors; $8 for local residents and active duty military with ID, $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages four to 12; and free for children three and under and Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium (FOWA) members. For more information about the Waikīkī Aquarium, including membership, call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.
# # #
WAIKIKI AQUARIUM MONK SEAL EXHIBIT TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE FOR RENOVATIONS
HONOLULU, HI – Beginning Jan. 22, 2018, the Hawaiian Monk Seal exhibit at the Waikīkī Aquarium will temporarily close until Spring 2018 while it undergoes renovations. During this time, the monk seals will be behind the scenes out of public view and special Monk Seal outreach activities will also be offered.
The Waikīkī Aquarium is home to two endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals. Maka onaona (“gentle eyes”), commonly referred to as Maka, is 33 years of age and is the oldest Hawaiian monk seal in captivity. Hō’ailona is almost 10. Abandoned by his mother soon after his birth on Kaua’i in May 2008, he was rescued and cared for by National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists. After they released Hō’ailona about six months later, however, he began interacting with humans instead of other seals, so they once again removed him from the wild. It was soon discovered that he had developed cataracts in both eyes and could not be returned to the wild.
In conjunction with the exhibit’s temporary closure, the Aquarium will host special outreach activities, including daily educational presentations by the Aquarium’s Monk Seal team, monk seal hat making, photo opportunities in front of a large monk seal backdrop, book signings, monthly presentations by the NOAA Monk Seal Recovery team and bi-monthly presentations by the Hawaii Marine Animal Response team.
In addition, artist Patrick Ching will present special workshops featuring keiki activities, monk seal sketching and more. There will also be a Storybook Theatre presentation on March 31st.
Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, there are currently less than 1,400 Hawaiian monk seals left in the wild. As one of the most critically endangered species in the world, the Waikīkī Aquarium continues to place an emphasis on research aimed at protecting the remaining monk seals and fostering an environment to help rebuild their population.
About the Waikīkī Aquarium
Founded in 1904 and administered by the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa since 1919, the Waikīkī Aquarium is located on the shoreline of Waikīkī Beach next to a living reef and across from Kapiolani Park. The Aquarium – second oldest in the U.S. – showcases more than 500 marine species, and maintains more than 3,500 marine specimens. Public exhibits, education programs and research focus on the unique aquatic life of Hawai‘i and the tropical Pacific. The Aquarium welcomes more than 320,000 visitors annually, and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Honolulu Marathon Sunday and Christmas Day. Admission is $12 for visitors; $8 for local residents and active duty military with ID, $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages four to 12; and free for children three and under and Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium (FOWA) members. For more information about the Waikīkī Aquarium, including membership, call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.
# # #
Donate
