Swim over to the Waikīkī Aquarium this April for special Earth Month activities including the 15th Annual Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo on April 23, 2022. Presented in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) and City & County of Honolulu’s Storm Water Quality Division (SWQ), Earth Month promotes the importance of keeping Hawai‘i clean, protected and free of pollution, from the mountaintops to the ocean.
“We are so excited to welcome our community back to the Aquarium for the first in-person Earth Month in more than 2 years,” said Dr. Andrew Rossiter, Director of Waikīkī Aquarium. “In order to keep Hawaiʻi safe and protected for generations to come, we need the community to come together to preserve our land and oceans. We hope the public will join us throughout the month to learn more about how they can get involved.”
Throughout April, individuals are invited to participate in a variety of activities and events including a month-long scavenger hunt at the Aquarium. Participants will receive a swag bag full of goodies (while supplies last). Additionally, the families can take advantage of educational materials and activities from community partners including Storm Water Hawaii, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), Board of Water Supply, and more at https://maukatomakaiexpo.com/.
Earth Month Event Schedule
See below for a complete schedule of events.
Earth Month Art Fest on Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Professional and amateur artists alike are invited to participate in the Earth Month Art Fest. Volunteers will create a chalk mural on the sidewalk fronting the ocean and paint banners that will be showcased throughout the month on Aquarium grounds. Aquarium guests will also have the opportunity to “stop, drop, and chalk”. Keiki can create their own drawings on the sidewalk areas within the Aquarium.
Waikīkī Aquarium Beach Cleanup on Wednesday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Volunteers are invited to take action and help remove litter along the Waikīkī coastline. Groups of up to 15 people can register together. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Check in any time between 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Supplies such as buckets/bags and tongs will be provided. Gloves will be provided for those who don’t have their own reusable pair. Guests should bring their own water and reef-safe sunscreen. Full details and registration are available here.
Earth Day Fish Release on Friday, April 22 at 1 p.m.
In celebration of Earth Day, the Waikīkī Aquarium joined by Waikīkī Elementary will release striped mullet, “amaʻama” or Mugil cephalus into the ocean. Approximately 50 fish raised at the Aquarium from stock provided by the Oceanic Institute will be released. Additionally, the first 100 kamaʻaina guests will receive FREE admission.
15th Annual Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo on Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mauka to Makai is a family-friendly expo that invites individuals and families to participate in educational activities from community partners, visit the Aquarium galleries and exhibits, and complete an event passport to receive a free native plant (one per household, while supplies last). The first 100 kamʻaina guests will receive FREE admission to the Aquarium.
Aquarium admission is $12 for non-members; $8 for Kamaʻaina and military with ID; $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages 4 to 12 and free for children three and under and Friends of the Waikiki Aquarium (FOWA).
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 focus on the unique aquatic life of Hawai‘i and the tropical Pacific. The Aquarium 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.
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