Can I Rent the Waikīkī Aquarium for a Private Event?

Updated

Yes. The Waikīkī Aquarium offers private event planning, including evening facility rentals. You start the process through the aquarium's website, where the "Plan Your Private Event" and "Start Your Plans" pages outline the rental options. This is a good fit if you want a distinctive venue tied to Hawaiʻi's marine life for a special event or gathering.

What the Aquarium Offers for Private Events

The aquarium's site lists two connected services under its "Interact" section:

  • Plan Your Private Event — the main entry point for booking the venue for a private function.
  • Evening Facility Rental — a specific option for renting the facility in the evening, with a "Start Your Plans" link to begin.

Because these pages are the official starting point, the aquarium is the authoritative source for availability, capacity, and what each rental includes. The site does not publish those details in the material available here, so confirm them directly when you begin planning.

Who This Suits

A private event at the Waikīkī Aquarium fits occasions where the setting itself is part of the experience — for example:

  • A celebration or reception that benefits from an ocean and marine-life backdrop.
  • A gathering for guests who would enjoy the aquarium's exhibits as part of the event.
  • An evening function, since evening facility rental is specifically offered.

If your priority is a standard banquet hall or a venue without a marine theme, this may be more than you need. If the atmosphere matters, it's worth exploring.

How to Start Planning

  1. Go to the Waikīkī Aquarium website.
  2. Open the Plan Your Private Event page.
  3. Follow the Start Your Plans link for Evening Facility Rental if you want an evening event.
  4. Use the contact details below if you prefer to reach out directly.

The site presents these as the way to begin, so treat the online pages and the aquarium's contact line as your sources for next steps.

Contact and Location

  • Address: 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
  • Phone: (808) 923-9741

What to Confirm Before Committing

The available website material does not state rental prices, guest capacity, available dates, or what a rental package includes. Before you commit, ask the aquarium directly about:

  • Pricing and any deposit or payment terms.
  • Maximum and minimum guest counts.
  • Available dates and times, especially for evening rentals.
  • What is included (space, staffing, catering rules, setup).
  • Any restrictions on outside vendors or decorations.

A Note on Regular Visiting Hours

The aquarium is generally open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, with the facility closing at 5:00 p.m. General admission is listed at $12, with discounted rates available. These apply to standard visits, not private events — event access and terms are handled separately through the private event planning process.