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WAIKIKI AQUARIUM TO HOST LARGEST KOI SHOW IN HAWAI‘I
*8th Annual International Aloha Koi Show to Take Place February 14 & 15*

HONOLULU, HI (January 15, 2015) – Join the Waikiki Aquarium on February 14 and 15, 2015 as it hosts the 8th Annual International Aloha Koi Show. The largest koi show in Hawaii, it’s sure to make a splash featuring an array of beautiful, top-quality koi for purchase and display. Guests will enjoy educational seminars, keiki activitites, and a variety of live entertainment including Japanese Koto, Taiko and Shakuhachi music and dance.

Nishikigoi, commonly referred to as ‘koi’ originated in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Over the last 200 years, artificial selection by dedicated breeders has resulted in the variety of beautiful colors and patterns that we see today. Koi will be judged on its size, symmetry, pattern and color. A desirable koi is large and symmetrical, with clear and distinct patterns, uniform colors and an overall healthy appearance.

“We are honored to host the koi show on Aquarium grounds as it has grown to become one of the premier koi shows in the United States,” said Dr. Andrew Rossiter, Waikiki Aquarium director. “We are excited to welcome our knowledgeable judges and expert guides who continue to share their passion and expertise with our guests. This show not only raises awareness about these ‘living jewels’ but provides an added value for our guests.”

Sponsored by Armstrong Builders, Pagoda Hotel- a lite hotel and the Waikiki Aquarium, the 7th Annual International Koi Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 14 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 15. The exhibition is included with Waikiki Aquarium admission.

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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