Step into the waters of Sea Life Park's Dolphin Lagoon for a unique encounter with bottlenose dolphins. Join their care team, learn about these marine mammals, and enjoy a full day immersed in Hawaii’s coastal wildlife.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, including children aged 4 and up who can safely stand in shallow water wearing a life vest.
Wildlife
History
Sea Life Park opened in 1964 as Hawaii’s first oceanarium, playing a significant role in marine education and conservation.
Conservation
The park emphasizes sustainable marine animal care practices and promotes awareness about ocean conservation through its educational programs.
Sea Life Park
Step into the waters of Sea Life Park's Dolphin Lagoon for a unique encounter with bottlenose dolphins. Join their care team, learn about these marine mammals, and enjoy a full day immersed in Hawaii’s coastal wildlife.
Sea Life Park in Waimanalo, Hawaii, is a marine-focused attraction offering a wide range of visitor experiences on Oʻahu’s Windward coast. The park combines animal exhibits, educational programming, and hands-on encounters led by its animal care team. Visitors can purchase General Admission to enjoy shows and exhibits, meet rescued sea lions, feed birds in the aviary, interact with baby turtles, and watch scheduled shark feedings.
Behind-the-scenes encounters include guided Sea Lion Encounters and Dolphin Encounters where guests spend focused time with California sea lions and bottlenose dolphins while learning about daily care, enrichment activities, and conservation efforts. Dolphin Exploration and Dolphin Aloha provide swim experiences and enrichment participation in shallow water settings, offering personal interaction under staff supervision.
For guests seeking adventure, Shark Snorkel provides guided snorkeling near whitetip reef sharks and Hawaiian reef fish. Cultural programming includes the Aloha Kai Luau (Gold, Silver, and Bronze packages) featuring an award-winning cast, Hawaiian feasts, hands-on activities, and a fire sword finale framed by ocean views and the Ko‘olau mountains. Luau Transportation and round-trip Transportation services are available from Waikiki and nearby pickup locations for added convenience; customers are encouraged to call for details.
Additional educational options include Hawaiian Limu Lei-Making. Across experiences, Sea Life Park emphasizes animal welfare, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and public education through interactive programs and expert-guided sessions that connect visitors to Hawaii’s marine environment. Online ticket purchases include access to scheduled shows, exhibits, and many animal presentations, making planning a visit easy for families and groups alike.
Location
Waimanalo, HI
Located on Oʻahu's Windward coast
Attractions
Shows & Exhibits
Animal shows, feedings, aviary
Encounters
Dolphins & Sea Lions
Multiple interactive programs available
Tours Offered
12 Experiences
Admission, encounters, and luaus
Book admission, dolphin and sea lion encounters, shark snorkel, or Aloha Kai luau packages online — add transportation for a seamless Waimanalo experience.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least one hour before your encounter to attend the mandatory safety briefing.
Swimwear Required
Bring a swimsuit and towel for the shallow water experience; changing facilities are onsite.
No Jewelry Allowed
Remove all jewelry before entering the lagoon to ensure safety for both you and the dolphins.
Use Biodegradable Sunscreen
Protect yourself and marine life by applying biodegradable sunscreen before your visit.
Swimsuit
Necessary for entering the shallow Dolphin Lagoon.
summer
Towel
For drying off after the encounter.
Biodegradable Sunscreen
Protects your skin and the lagoon’s marine life.
summer|spring|fall
Water Shoes
Helpful for comfort and traction on wet surfaces.