Do you want to get involved and make a difference? Applicants 18 years of age or older can:
Aquarium Educator
Aquarium Educators are ambassadors, representing the Waikiki Aquarium by engaging visitors of all ages and backgrounds in one-on-one conversations and small group presentations. Don’t know a lot about marine science or how to talk to visitors? Don’t worry! This special training course is offered to prepare volunteers with all the fun facts, information and teaching tips needed to become an Aquarium Educator.
Shifts available: 9am-11am, 11am-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm seven days a week.
Time Commitment: 2 hours minimum per week
Responsibilities: Answer questions from the public and initiate conversations with visitors. Please see Volunteer Manual for policies & procedures.
Qualifications: Must have enthusiasm, and interest in sharing marine biology and conservation knowledge with Aquarium visitors. Willingness to learn about Aquarium exhibits and marine science.
Aquarium Educator Volunteer Training
Aquarium Educator training consists of online training modules, in-person training class, and a one-on-one session. The online training course will need to be completed prior to in-person training class. After completion of the classes, you will schedule a one-on-one (or two-on-one) with Aquarium Educator Volunteer Supervisor. Then you will choose a two-hour shift and become an Aquarium volunteer.
To Apply:
Complete the Volunteer Application
Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program CenterGift Shop Volunteer
Help support the Waikīkī Aquarium’s mission by volunteering in The Shop at Waikīkī Aquarium. Volunteers act as Aquarium “ambassadors” assisting guests with purchases and helping with shop upkeep and displays. Our merchandise collection includes clothing, jewelry, books, children’s toys, and souvenirs all with ocean and marine life themes. This volunteer opportunity is good for individuals who like to work inside.
Qualifications
Customer service and retail experience are encouraged but not required. We provide individualized on-the-job training from staff and current volunteers. Volunteers work one 4-hour shift per week in the morning 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. or afternoons 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Contact us today for more information about getting involved and sharing the Aloha Spirit with our guests.
To Apply:
Complete the Volunteer Application
Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program CenterLive Exhibits Volunteer
Aquarist assistants work behind the scenes, help care for the Aquarium’s diverse aquatic collection, and learn the basic routine maintenance of salt water and some freshwater exhibits. Duties include, but are not limited to: exhibit upkeep, animal feeding and training, husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and learning the ropes of aquarium systems and basic aquarium ecology. Volunteering in the Live Exhibits Department is one of our most highly sought after volunteer opportunities with a waitlist to interview.
Requirements
Only applicants with previous fish and invertebrate animal care experience or related academic background will be considered. Aquarist assistants are:
Enthusiastic and committed
Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
Able to climb on top of, around, and inside tanks to clean them when required
Capable of lifting a 50-pound bag of gravel
Training and CommitmentAfter successful completion of CITI online training classes and additional Live Exhibits training, volunteers commit to working at least 4 hours a week (minimum shift must be at least 2 hours long) for a minimum of 6 consecutive months. Ideal candidates will be able to commit to a minimum of 4 hours a week for one year.
To Apply:
Complete the Volunteer Application
Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
Upload short resume of relevant experience to Application Profile
Upload Class Schedule (If Appropriate)
Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Center
Be added to our waitlist to interview
Schedule an interview with a Biologist and Volunteer CoordinatorSchool Support Program Docents
Share a sense of wonder about the sea!
School Support Program Docents help give lively presentations and guide interactive discovery tours of Waikīkī Aquarium exhibits for students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Volunteering as a Docent provides rich opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s marine life and contribute to conservation education in our community. Upon completion of training, School Support Program Docents volunteer one morning a week (Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. throughout the school year (October – May). Prospective Docent volunteers are encouraged to inquire regarding shadowing and training opportunities throughout the year.
To Apply:
Complete the Volunteer Application
Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program CenterAquarium Activator
Aquarium Activator Volunteers host a weekly craft table or educational activity/game. They help guests of all ages create their own ocean inspired masterpiece or learn from an interactive game. Ideal applicants have previous experience working with children.
Minimum time requirement: 2 hrs/week
To Apply:
Complete the Volunteer Application
Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program CenterFacility Maintenance and Hawaii Cultural Gardening
The Waikīkī Aquarium not only cherishes its beautiful gardens but also values the upkeep of its facilities and various projects that help maintain the property. We are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to join our Facility Maintenance team. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of tasks such as gardening, painting, minor repairs, and other necessary projects that keep the Aquarium running smoothly. Volunteers must be willing to work 3 hours per week, bend and kneel for extended periods, and lift up to 30 lbs. Plant Guide
Key Responsibilities:
Gardening and landscaping
Painting and touch-up work
Assisting with minor repairs and facility maintenance
Participating in special projects as needed
Ideal Candidates:
Experience in gardening, painting, or general maintenance is preferred
Willingness to get dirty and work in outdoor environments
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
To Apply:
Complete the Volunteer Application
Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program CenterJoin our Facility Maintenance team and play a vital role in preserving the beauty and functionality of the Waikīkī Aquarium.
High School Teen Educator Program
Summer
Join the Waikiki Aquarium’s Teen Educator Program this summer and discover the wonders of Hawaiian marine life! Through this program, teens will gain valuable leadership and public speaking skills, while also deepening your understanding of the unique marine ecosystem found in Hawaii. Open to high school students.
Application period for Summer 2025 has closed. Please fill out this form if you are interested in getting notified once the application period for the Summer 2026 Teen Volunteer Program is open. https://forms.gle/K5RZykM7rdD9T5hx7
What You’ll Learn:
The fascinating biology and behavior of Hawaiian marine life
How to communicate scientific concepts to the public
Best practices for educating and engaging visitors at the AquariumBenefits of Participation:
Develop leadership and public speaking skills
Gain a deeper understanding of marine ecology
Contribute to the mission of the Waikiki Aquarium
Build your resume
Fall SemesterHomeschool and alternative school students looking to expand their knowledge of Hawaiian marine life are encouraged to inquire about opportunities with our Education Department during the Fall. Please email inquiries to Mary Roney at roney@waquarium.org
Syngnathids Aquarist Assistant Internship - Applications will be accepted until 1/2/2026.
Syngnathids Aquarist Assistant Internship
Summary
The Waikīkī Aquarium is now accepting applications for a Syngnathids Aquarist Assistant Intern.
We are looking for applicants who are interested in marine biology and marine life husbandry.
This is an in-person, unpaid position, and no housing is provided.
Applications will be accepted until 1/2/2026. Interviews will be in-person.Job Duties include but are not limited to:
- Feeding of the syngnathids exhibits
- General cleaning of the syngnathids exhibits
- Assisting in the transfer of syngnathids
- Assist in creating a photo ID log
- Possible research assistance
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student (preferably with a major in
marine biology, NREM, or related fields) - Submit current resume, general availability, and cover letter
- Duration: January 20 – April 10 2026
- Able to commit a minimum of 16 hours a week for the duration of the internship
- Must be available for weekly internship scheduling: TU – SAT typically 4 hr/day
- If accepted, you must be able to provide a TB clearance, pass a background check, and
submit a volunteer online application/profile
To Apply:
- Email volunteer@waikikiaquarium.org your current resume, cover letter, and weekly
availability for future scheduling - If applicable, indicate any internship requirements from your college/university
Visitor Experience Internship - Now Accepting Applications for Spring 2026
The Waikiki Aquarium offers unpaid Visitor Experience internships every semester, determined by staff availability and internship requirements. As a Visitor Experience Intern, you will be a part of the front of house visitor services and gift shop team that provides excellent customer service and welcomes our guests to the Aquarium. Gain experience in hospitality and tourism management as a Visitors Services Intern.
To Apply:
Email your current resume, cover letter, weekly availability schedule to volunteer@waikikiaquarium.org
If applicable, indicate any internship requirements from your college/university
If accepted, complete the Volunteer Application, upload background check and TB clearance to application profile.Education Department Internship
The Waikīkī Aquarium offers unpaid Education Department internships on a case by case basis, determined by staff availability and internship requirements. Education Department Interns have a working knowledge of Hawaiian marine life and are interested in sharing that knowledge with the public.
Job Duties typically include but are not limited to
Leading tours and teaching classes to families and school/community groups
Working with the public
Assisting in developing/testing new activities
Supervising teen volunteers
Taking care of and maintaining invertebrate tanks
Requirements
Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student (preferably with a major in marine biology, education, theatre, marine sciences, NREM, sustainability or related fields)
If accepted, you must be able to provide a TB clearance, pass a background check, submit a volunteer online application/profile, and submit waiver forms
To Apply:
Email volunteer@waikikiaquarium.org your current resume, cover letter, and weekly availability.
If applicable, indicate any internship requirements from your college/university.Graphics Internship
Are you interested in creating graphics for the Waikīkī Aquarium? Create signage, promotional material, and more as a Graphics Intern. The Waikiki Aquarium offers unpaid internships on a case-by-case basis, determined by staff availability and internship requirements. In your application, please include your resume and cover letter stating what you are interested in achieving in your internship.
To Apply:
Email your current resume, cover letter, weekly availability schedule to volunteer@waikikiaquarium.org
If applicable, indicate any internship requirements from your college/university
If accepted, complete the Volunteer Application, upload background check and TB clearance to application profile.Group Volunteer Opportunities
Beach Cleanups
In an effort to keep our coastlines clean and healthy, we host multiple beach cleanups each year. These events are open to the public and can accommodate groups looking for a volunteer opportunity.
To sign up for beach cleanup email list and receive cleanup registration dates complete this form! https://forms.gle/rpSWAKesuAaC98LS7
Special Projects
The Waikīkī Aquarium Volunteer Center is open to supporting local school and community groups by partnering on special projects. Proposals are approved on an individual basis and are up to the discretion of the Volunteer Program Coordinator and supporting staff.
For more information or to submit a special project proposal, please email volunteer@waikikiaquarium.org or call the Volunteer Center at (808) 440-9020.
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