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 Center
Gift 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 Center
Live 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 Commitment
After 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 Coordinator
Syngnathids Aquarist Assistant Internships- Now Accepting Applications
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 4/25/2024. Interviews will be in-person.
Job Duties include but are not limited to:
- Assisting in setting up an exhibit system
- Feeding of the syngnathids exhibits
- General cleaning of the syngnathids exhibits
- Assisting in the transfer of syngnathids
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: May, 20, 2024 – August 9, 2024
- Able to commit a minimum of 16 hours a week for the duration of the internship
- Must be available for weekly internship scheduling: TU, WE, FR, and SAT 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/universitySchool 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 Center
Aquarium Activator
Aquarium Activator Volunteers host a weekly craft table. They help guests of all ages create their own ocean inspired masterpiece. Ideal applicants have previous experience working with children.
Minimum time requirement: 3 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 Center
Special Events
Many events hosted by the Waikīkī Aquarium would not be possible without the time and energy of dedicated volunteers. Current Aquarium volunteers may also help at Aquarium functions throughout the year. Volunteers at special events help in various capacities such as set-up, registration, craft and activity tables, scrip sales, food booths, guest greeting, and much more!
All events support the Waikīkī Aquarium’s mission
to inspire and promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation of Pacific marine life.”
Our annual events include:
- Mauka to Makai (Earth Day Celebration) (April)
- Ke Kani O Ke Kai Summer Concert Series (June-August)
- Family Night (August)
- FOWA – Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium Members’ Night
To Apply as an Individual:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program Center
Visitor Experience Internship - Now Accepting Applications
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.
Events Internship
The Waikīkī Aquarium offers unpaid events internships determined by staff availability and internship requirements. As an Events Intern, you will be a part of the team that ensures our events run smoothly. Sharpen your experience in event coordination and customer service as an Events Intern.
Time Commitment: Shifts are typically from 4:45PM – 9:30PM on Luau Days and 4:45PM-10:30PM on Private Event Nights. Starting hours may vary based on the renter’s request. Training consists of 2 weeks of shadowing a supervisor.
Responsibilities
As an Events Intern, you will be responsible to:
- Greet guests with Aloha at the front desk and monitor guest count and re-entry of guests.
- Provide security during the evening rentals
- Answer any questions regarding the rental operation of the Aquarium facility, including providing directions to the Aquarium
- Assist supervisor with securing all exhibit areas and outdoor areas around the Aquarium perimeter.
- Prepare rental equipment, post signs, and assist supervisor with preparations of the facility prior to renter arrival.
- Monitor galleries, exhibits, and guests during functions to ensure there are no damages to the property or exhibits.
- Assist renters in locating equipments for rental
- Setup, breakdown, and operate sound system (when applicable)
- Be familiar with and enforce all facility rental policies and procedures.
- Monitor gates and facility areas during setup, event and breakdown.
- Stock restroom and clean exhibit windows
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.
Community Educator Programs Internship
Are you interested in the planning and implementation of our community educational programs? 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.
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.
High School Teen Educator Program
Summer 2024
The Summer 2024 High School Teen Educator Programʻs application period will open in Spring of 2024. If you are interested in the program, please fill out the form to be notified via email once the application period is open https://forms.gle/boJV9HDWi8i73qLw8
Join the Waikiki Aquarium’s Teen Educator Program this summer and discover the wonders of Hawaiian marine life! Through this program, you 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.
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 Aquarium
Benefits 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 Semester
Homeschool 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
Hawaii Cultural Gardening- Currently Unavailable
The Waikīkī Aquarium has always treasured the property’s gardens, but often need help with upkeep and landscaping. At this time, the Volunteer Center is seeking volunteers who have formal experience with gardening and are willing to dedicate time to help our growing Hawai’i Cultural Gardening team. Team members must be willing to get dirty, work early hours, work with little supervision, be able to bend and kneel for long periods of time, and capable of lifting up to 30 lbs. Plant Guide
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program Center
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