The , a beacon of marine education and conservation for over a century, is marking its 122nd anniversary in March. Under the new leadership of Interim Director Judy Lemus, the institution is embarking on a period of revitalization, with innovative exhibits, strategic collaborations, and a continued commitment to the unique aquatic ecosystems of �鶹��ý and the tropical Pacific.

The aquarium will host a 122nd birthday celebration on March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day kicks off with a community coastal cleanup followed by a suite of family-friendly activities.

A new chapter

Lemus brings a wealth of experience in marine facility management, research, and education. Lemus served for four years as the interim director of the (HIMB) within the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (SOEST) and is currently the interim associate dean for academic affairs in SOEST. Her primary focus at the aquarium is on operational improvements and enhancing the institutionʻs role in education, marine conservation, collaborative research, and community engagement.

“Managing the Waikīkī Aquarium is about more than just animal husbandry; it’s also about our engagement with the public and contribution to conservation of Pacific species, and our role as a public outlet for UH research,” said Lemus. “As we celebrate 122 years, we are not just honoring our history, but building the systems, facilities, and stories that will carry us through the next century.”

One major accomplishment under her leadership has been the successful return of Hōʻailona, the beloved Hawaiian monk seal, to his refurbished enclosure.

New and upcoming exhibits:

• The Aquaculture Tank: In partnership with Biota, a local aquaculture company, this exhibit will feature fish and coral raised entirely in aquaculture facilities at the Oceanic Institute and Waikīkī Aquarium. This “no-collection” model highlights sustainable trade and will also showcase 3-D structures from HIMB researcher Josh Madin’s Lab that facilitate coral growth.
• The Edge of Reef Redesign: Formerly an iconic outdoor exhibit, the Edge of Reef was dismantled to make way for a critical infrastructure project. A redesign is planned for this exhibit with support from UH, the �鶹��ýFoundation, and the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium.
• New Tank for Mullet and More: The large tank that previously featured mullet, a species revered in �鶹��ý as a staple food and in loko ʻia (Hawaiian fishpond) aquaculture, is being dismantled to make way for a modern habitat. The new enclosure may house mullet and possibly other compatible species such as rays or sea turtles.
• The aquarium is planning new collaborations with a variety of UH faculty and labs to help bring their work to broader audiences.
• AZA Accreditation: The aquarium is starting a Pathway Toward Membership program with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold standard in accreditation for zoos and aquariums, with the goal of achieving AZA accreditation for Waikīkī Aquarium in about 5 years.

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After several years away, ��ōʻ�������DzԲ�, the Hawaiian monk seal, is returning to the at a special homecoming party on September 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

��ōʻ�������DzԲ�, whose name means “a sign from the sea,” has been a favorite among aquarium guests for more than a decade. Affectionately known as ��ōʻ��, this monk seal serves as a charismatic ambassador, inspiring awareness and action for one of �鶹��ý’s most endangered native species.

In 2021, ��ōʻ�� was temporarily transferred to a research program at the University of California Santa Cruz, where he was part of a behavioral study of monk seals. ��ōʻ��’s participation contributed toward conservation efforts and expanded scientific knowledge of the endangered species. During his time away, the Waikīkī Aquarium renovated and repaired the Hawaiian Monk Seal exhibit.

��ōʻ��’s homecoming will feature keiki-friendly activities, including educational feeds, animal enrichment, arts and crafts, a touch pool, chalk art, a mermaid photo opportunity, and face painting. A Hawaiian blessing will take place at 10:30 a.m. on the Monk Seal Deck. Community partners will also join with educational booths, including the �鶹��ý Institute of Marine Biology, University of �鶹��ý Sea Grant, Audubon Society, and �鶹��ý Marine Animal Response.

Resource managers and leading marine invasive species experts from �鶹��ý, Florida, and U.S. Territories recently gathered in �鶹��ý for the Unomia Learning Exchange Workshop, a critical meeting focused on preventing and responding to new threats to coral reefs. During the workshop, organized by the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, participants shared knowledge and strategize against the spread of high-risk invasive species, particularly those stemming from the illegal release or outplanting of marine aquarium species, and high-risk coral diseases such as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.

The event focused on the alarming rise of species originating from the marine aquarium trade, particularly a soft coral known as Unomia stolonifera. This species has rapidly overwhelmed reefs in Venezuela and has now been found in �鶹��ý, where an eradication effort is underway. Similarly, Xenia umbellata, another popular aquarium soft coral, was recently discovered on reefs in Puerto Rico. These cases underscore the urgent need for a unified response to the illegal release of aquarium animals.

“The release of these species, whether intentional or accidental, poses a significant threat to our fragile marine ecosystems,” said Christy Martin, Program Manager for CGAPS, a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, UH Manoa. “This workshop provided a vital platform for experts to learn from each other’s successes and challenges. By sharing what we know, we can build stronger defenses to protect our reefs from these aggressive invaders.”

A key component of the workshop was a tabletop exercise where participants simulated a rapid response scenario to a Unomia detection. This exercise, which followed the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force guidelines, helped inform the development of comprehensive response plans for state and territorial waters. The workshop also previewed a new planning tool from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Species Invasion Rapid Response Information Network to help communities create their own early detection and rapid response plans.

Attendees also visited the Waikīkī Aquarium to get a firsthand look at live samples of invasive species like Unomia stolonifera. The Aquarium is a unit of the UH ����ԴDz� and is a partner in the state’s “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign, which educates the public about the severe consequences of releasing aquarium animals.

In �鶹��ý, the possession or import of non-native marine aquarium animals requires a special permit that is not available to individuals or businesses and is a felony, with penalties that can include large fines and prison time. To provide an alternative, the Aquarium also serves as an official amnesty drop-off site where people can surrender illegal aquatic animals without penalty. Amnesty locations include �鶹��ý Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offices statewide.

The workshop was supported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Coral Reef Stewardship Fund to the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, with additional support from the Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation and Bishop Museum. This collaboration highlights the critical role of partnerships in tackling complex environmental challenges and protecting the health of our oceans.

See more on the .

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From the Instagram Reel, “Swim on over to the Waikīkī Aquarium and check out this amazing sight! Baby seahorses enjoying a meal of tiny Artemia, with its stomach glowing bright orange from the feast. Nature’s wonders up close!”

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The begins construction to upgrade its popular Edge of the Reef exhibit this month to install a new water system. The newly planned exhibit will be larger and more interactive, offering an enhanced opportunity to connect with �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s unique marine ecosystem.

The new injection well, a system designed to safely dispose of exhibit water underground, prevents the exhibit water from entering the sewer system or the ocean and complies with state and county regulations.

“This project is essential to the aquarium’s mission of sustainability and our commitment to inspiring conservation and appreciation of Pacific marine life,” said Andrew Rossiter, director of the Waikīkī Aquarium. “As we embark on creating an even more captivating exhibit for future generations, we ask our community to join us in this effort.”

Those interested in supporting this project can learn more at .

In celebration of Earth Day, is hosting its 17th free on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to promote the importance of keeping Hawai‘i—from the mountaintops to the sea—clean and pollution free.

Guests can enjoy live entertainment, a native plant giveaway and interactive activities including hands-on learning, arts and crafts and educational exhibits that showcase ways to protect and preserve Hawaiʻi’s environment.

The expo is open to the public and free parking will be available in the back parking lot at Jefferson Elementary School beginning at 7:30 a.m., with free shuttle to and from the Waikīkī Aquarium courtesy of Waikīkī Trolley. Guests are also invited to bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated with water stations.

Visit the for more information.

The is sea-lebrating its 120th anniversary with two days of festivities open to the public on Saturday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On March 16, families can enjoy the return of SeaHunt where keiki can search the lawn for marine-themed prizes and visit educational booths featuring fun activities.

The celebration will continue on March 19 where visitors can enjoy experiences in collaboration with educational partners at NOAA, the University of �鶹��ý SeaGrant Program, Friends of Hanauma Bay and more. These activities will include expert talks, cutting-edge exhibits and interactive workshops.

“We are grateful for the partners, visitors, the local community, and Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium (FOWA) members who have continued to support the aquarium over the decades,” said Waikīkī Aquarium Director Andrew Rossiter. “This support is what has allowed us to remain committed to ocean education, research and conservation throughout our history. While the last 120 years have been filled with memorable milestones, we are excited about our plans for the future.”

Aquarium admission is $12 for non-members; $8 for kamaʻaina and military with ID; $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under and FOWA members.

For more information, call (808) 923-9741 or visit .

You can get into the holiday spirit by visiting Santa Claus as he visits the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s .

Santa went diving on December 5 and will also appear on December 12, at 11:30 a.m.

Also in time for the holidays, the Elf In The Shell is back. Each day, the elf will be hidden somewhere in the Waikīkī Aquarium sitting in one of four seashells. Those who spot her can go to the gift shop and let staff know where she is to claim a surprise.

The Waikīkī Aquarium has been administered by the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa since 1919.

The number of fish to catch around Oʻahu got a small boost when a team including University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa researchers released about 150 tagged pāpio (juvenile ulua or giant trevally) into waters around the island. Now, fishermen can help those researchers with important data by catching the tagged fish and reporting the information while also winning prizes. Fishermen can keep all of the pāpio they catch.

The pāpio were released on October 17–19 at four different locations around Oʻahu: , Kāneʻohe Bay, Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District and Pōkaʻī Bay.

Researchers hope to show on a small scale how raising and releasing the pāpio could offset fishing pressure and help rebalance the composition of the local reef fish populations if done on a larger scale in the future.

“What I hope this project achieves is bringing awareness to the concept of restorative aquaculture,” said Spencer Davis, a PhD student at UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s (HIMB) and an employee of Oceanic Institute of �鶹��ý Pacific University. “That fish can be grown from eggs collected from public aquariums and that those fish can be used to restore populations of wild fish.”

Researchers included four release sites around the island to mitigate any concerns about predator introduction or genetic impact. In addition, throughout the rearing to release process best management practices were integrated to mitigate any biosecurity issues. By releasing smaller cohorts of approximately 50 pāpio around Oʻahu, they hope to increase the number of fishermen that will have access to catch the fish later and gather recapture data. Each release site is located in regulated areas to allow time for the fish to acclimate to the wild before moving out into fishable zones.

“These releases provide a small enhancement to wild populations of ulua around Oʻahu with the intent to both restore the ecological structure of coral reef fish communities and provide recreational opportunities to local fishers,” said Erik Franklin, an associate research professor at HIMB and Davis’ advisor. “We’re planning to expand this program if we can identify future funding support.”

Partnering with local fishermen

Each tag is labeled with a unique fish identification number and a note instructing fishermen to call the researchers and report the date, capture location (general area, no need to give away your secret spots), length and weight of the fish. Nanko’s Fishing Supply is supporting the project with a raffle and prizes for participating fishermen at the end of the recapture period, approximately one year after the pāpio are released.

“We would love to find any of these released fish that end up being recaptured and reported by local fishermen,” said Davis. “We would learn about how much the fish grew in the wild, how far it traveled from the release location, and how likely fishermen are to recapture fish that are released as part of similar restorative aquaculture efforts.”

Originally, researchers received eggs from Maui Ocean Center in November 2022 and grew the eggs into the pāpio being released today. Franklin contributed funding provided by a local donor who supports research on recreational fishing to the for tagging the fish and transporting them for release.

Looking to future large scale efforts

A healthy ecosystem is composed of many species fulfilling key ecological roles such as predators, herbivores and scavengers. Fishing pressure has led to a decreased number of apex predators in waters around the main Hawaiian islands, especially Oʻahu. If any of the pāpio are recaptured, it will help researchers learn about how effective a larger scale restorative aquaculture effort can be in the future.

This project is a spin-off of previous work funded by the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture. This collaboration includes efforts from: Waikīkī Aquarium; Department of Aquatic Resources; HIMB; Oceanic Institute of �鶹��ý Pacific University; and Maui Ocean Center.

If you support this initiative and want to see more projects like this happen, please contact Davis at sbdavis@hawaii.edu or (808) 699-9991 to receive a to indicate your interest.