Waikīkī Aquarium Hours, Last Admission and a Beach-Day Plan
Plan to enter the Waikīkī Aquarium before 4:30 p.m. on a regular operating day. The facility closes at 5:00 p.m., but admission ends half an hour earlier. If you want to combine the aquarium with beach time, visit the aquarium first so a longer stay on the sand doesn’t leave you too late to enter.
What are the Waikīkī Aquarium’s hours?
The aquarium’s official Plan Your Visit page lists regular admission hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week, with the facility closing at 5:00 p.m. Holiday hours and scheduled closures are exceptions to that daily schedule.
Entering near the admission cutoff leaves only half an hour before closing. Choose an earlier arrival if you want more time to look around.
Holiday hours and closures for late 2026 and New Year’s Day 2027
The aquarium’s official schedule lists the following holiday exceptions.
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026: admission hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The facility closes early at 3:00 p.m. Plan a morning visit if you’re going on Thanksgiving.
Honolulu Marathon Day, Sunday, December 13, 2026, and Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2026: the aquarium is closed all day.
New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2027: admission hours are 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the facility closing at 5:00 p.m. A regular 9:00 a.m. arrival would be too early that day.
Is the aquarium open during renovations?
The Waikīkī Aquarium currently says it remains open while undergoing renovations. Before setting out, check its official Plan Your Visit page for hours and closure notices. For current admission information, follow Admission Information from the aquarium’s official website.
How to pair the aquarium with beach time
The aquarium is at 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, next to Kapiolani Park and the Waikīkī Natatorium War Memorial.
On a regular operating day, start with an aquarium visit at or after 9:00 a.m., then leave the rest of your schedule flexible for lunch and the beach. If you prefer beach time first, set a departure time that leaves room to reach the aquarium well before last admission.
Bring water, sun protection and a towel for the beach portion, and consider how much you want to carry through the aquarium. Check ocean conditions and listen to lifeguard guidance before entering the water; keep time on the sand as an option if conditions are unsuitable.
Planning a self-guided day with Hele On Waikiki
If an electric bike rental fits your wider Waikiki plans, Hele On Waikiki offers rentals with maps and recommendations for self-guided outings. Choose your aquarium date around its opening schedule, then use the Hele On Waikiki booking portal to reserve your rental.
