Travel bucket list idea:
Sea Life Park [Swim with dolphins, Hawaiian Show]
Waimanalo Beach, Oahu, United States of America (USA)
Last updated: 01 August, 2025
Perched on Oʻahu’s dramatic southeast coast beneath the cliffs of Makapuʻu, Sea Life Park Hawaii combines marine education with stunning natural scenery. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the park is home to dolphins, sea lions, penguins, rays, turtles, and native Hawaiian marine life.
Designed to blend conservation with entertainment, it offers immersive exhibits and engaging shows, including dolphin performances and sea lion encounters. Visitors can explore the Hawaiian Reef Aquarium, walk beneath schooling fish in an underwater tunnel, and learn about monk seal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
It’s a family-friendly destination that balances close-up animal experiences with education.
Swim with dolphins
The swim with dolphins experiences take place in scenic, ocean-view lagoons beneath the cliffs of Makapuʻu, offering a choice of shallow-water, interactive swims, and trainer-for-a-day sessions.
The bottlenose dolphins are born in human care, trained using positive reinforcement, and closely monitored by marine specialists. Dolphins are not released into the wild due to their upbringing in captivity, but are treated with care, enrichment, and respect in a setting designed to educate and inspire marine conservation.
Aloha Kai Luau
This colourful show offers an enchanting celebration of Hawaiian culture set against the backdrop of the ocean and cliffs of Makapuʻu. The evening starts with a traditional lei greeting, followed by a buffet dinner of local island cuisine and a spectacular Polynesian dance performance, complete with fire-knife dancers.
The luau blends music, storytelling, and hula into an immersive, thoroughly enjoyable experience that captures the warmth and spirit of aloha beneath the stars. Don’t miss it!
Logistics
Price from: £35
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 0+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Sea Life Park is located along Kalanianaʻole Highway, about a 40-minute drive from Waikiki, with beautiful coastal views en route. The best way to get there is by rental car or tour shuttle; parking is available onsite.
Once inside, the park is walkable, with clear paths connecting exhibits, shows, and lagoon areas. Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, refillable water bottles, and swimwear if you’re booked on a dolphin encounter. Lockers and changing facilities are available.
The park is compact, making it easy to explore at your own pace – allow 3–4 hours to take in all the shows and activities.
When to do it
It’s open all year round, Wednesday to Monday. It closes on Tuesday except during peak season when they open daily..
The best time to visit Sea Life Park is between April and October, when the weather is dry and skies are typically clear. During these months, the marine life exhibits and animal performances are even more enjoyable with bright conditions and ocean views.
The park is at its most peaceful in the morning, just after opening – ideal for smaller crowds, active animals, and better photo opportunities. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and shorter queues for shows or interactive experiences.
