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WAIKIKI AQUARIUM CELEBRATES WORLD OCEANS MONTH IN JUNE WITH SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND FREE CHILD ADMISSION

HONOLULU (June 3, 2015) – For the seventh year in a row, Waikiki Aquarium will celebrate World Oceans Day by cleaning marine debris and educating the community about the dangers of ocean pollution. The health of the ocean is critical to the earth’s climate, sustenance and recreation, as it cover 71% of the earth’s surface. World Oceans Day is a time for ocean celebration and action around the world and this year’s theme is healthy oceans, healthy planet.

The Waikiki Aquarium will be holding events throughout the month of June, including keiki activities, special Afternoons at the Aquarium, several beach clean ups and a variety of educational activities and events for everyone to enjoy. The Aquarium will also extend a special “child free” beginning on June 6 through June 30. For every paying adult, one child (12 years or under) will receive free admission.

Saturday, June 6 – Waikiki Aquarium Celebrates World Oceans Day, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Kicking off the celebration on June 6, keiki will learn about seahorses, seadragons and sea snails with special activities from the Aquarium. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the biologist and learn about coral polyps and propagation. At 11 a.m. Outrigger Hotels will unveil their OZONE program and present entertainment and activities for keiki and their families.

Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17, 24 – Afternoons at the Aquarium, 3 p.m.
Each Wednesday, marine life enthusiasts are invited to dive into Afternoons at the Aquarium as it hosts an interactive lesson on the lawn. Keiki can enjoy a critter encounter with snails, feed limu to the Aquarium’s unicorn fish, create play-dough marine animals and learn about honu petroglyph printing from local author and artist, Lynn Cook. The activities are designed for ages 4 to 8, but everyone is welcome. Activities are included with Aquarium admission.

Thursday, June 4, 11, 18, 25 – Behind the Scenes, 4 p.m.
Learn what makes the Aquarium run, from fish food to quarantine. Climb-up and take a look into the back of the exhibits you love and visit the Coral Farm and Jelly Hale where sea jellies are raised.

Minimum age 7 years and must be accompanied by an adult. Availability is limited. $16 per adult, $10 for members; $12 per child, $8 for members.

Sunday, June 7 – LEAHI Display and LEGO Build,
LEAHI will share their passion for modeling with LEGO bricks with Aquarium visitors through a special ocean-themed display. Keiki will also have the opportunity to try their hand at creating their own models and interact with other LEGO enthusiasts.

Tuesday, June 9, 16, 23, 30 – Aqua Explorers, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dive in at the Waikiki Aquarium for a special activity to learn more about dive gear and marine life. Keiki can try on pieces of dive gear and learn more about the necessary gadgets used when diving, such as tanks, gauges, weight belts and more! There will also be lessons on how to identify Hawaiian fish species while diving.

Thursday, June 11 & 25 – Ke Kani O Ke Kai, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
June 11 – Kaiholu and Makana (featured restaurant: A Place to Eat) June 25 – Sean Naauao and Ben & Maila (featured restaurant: Da Spot)

The Aquarium will once again host its popular “Ke Kani O Ke Kai” summer concert series, offering visitors and residents an evening of live entertainment and delicious food under the stars. Tickets are required in advance and may be purchased online at www.waikikiaquarium.org/KKOKK.

Saturday, June 13 – Tutu & Me: Traveling Preschool, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Meet the creators of Kai Ocean Book Series as the Aquarium presents Tutu & Me: Traveling Preschool. Keiki will listen to stories of Kai the ‘Opihi, Mele the Crab, Pili the ‘Iwi, Noa the Puhi and Holu the He‘e and learn important lessons from these friends.

Monday, June 16 – PacIOOS: Monitoring Near Shore Water Quality in Hawaii with Gordon Walker, Oceanographic Specialist, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
The Aquarium is partnering with Pacific Island Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) near Shore Water Quality Group, Chaminade University – Environmental Studies program, Oceanic Aeries and Waikiki Dive Center to offer a series of programs for children throughout the month of June with a special presentation on June 16.

Wednesday, June 17 – Hawaii Aquaculture: Fish, Oysters and Pearls with Dr. Maria Haws, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Join the Waikiki Aquarium for a Hawaii Aquaculture Update featuring fish, oysters and pearls in the Waikiki Aquarium classroom led by Dr. Maria Haws, Director of Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center.

Thursday, June 25 – A Tribute to Dr. Isabella Abbott, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Visitors can take advantage of this rare opportunity to view native algae specimens from Bishop Museum’s Herbarium Collection. Learn more about these native algae discovered by Dr. Isabella Abbott, the late Hawai‘i marine botany expert and pioneer.

Saturday, June 27 – Get in the Sanctuary Day, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Learn more about National Marine Sanctuaries Pacific Region – Hawaii Island Humpback Whale Sanctuary, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and America Samoa’s National Marine Sanctuary. Visitors will make whale hats, try their hand at gyotaku (fish printing) and meet maritime archeologists and staff.

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 320,000 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.

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