Sea Life Park Hawaii - Hawaiian Reef Encounter
On the Hawaiian Reef Encounter, Sea Life Park guests swim in a special lagoon face to face with the gentle rays as they glide effortlessly through water. Using float vests, mask, and snorkel, participants can observe, interact and touch these adorable and docile stingrays. Great for families and kids. Admission to Sea Life Park included.
Activity Highlights:
- Get up close and personal with curious rays in a specially created lagoon
- Watch them glide through the water
- Learn about ray and reef fish behavior and anatomy
- Great fun for kids too
- Sea Life Park admission included - stroll through the park and see other marine animals up close, visit the exhibits and watch animal shows
- Where and When:
- Sea Life Park Hawaii Hours:
Daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Hawaiian Reef Encounter Program Times:
10:30 am - 10:50 am (check in at 9:30 am)
2:30 pm - 2:50 pm (check in at 1:30 pm)
Please check in 1 hour before the start of your reserved program.
Roundtrip Transportation from Waikiki:
Roundtrip transportation from Waikiki area hotels is available at an additional cost. If you book your Sea Life Park tickets with added transportation, your exact pick-up time and location will be in your confirmation email. Pick-up will be between 8:45 am and 9:15 am (see pick-up schedule below). Departure from Sea Life Park back to Waikiki is at 2:00 pm.
Pick-up Schedule:
8:45 am: Ala Moana Hotel (Mahukona St)
8:50 am: Hawaii Prince (Harbor Side Entrance)
8:55 am: Hilton Hawaiian Village (Grand Islander Bus Depot)
9:00 am: La Croix Hotel (Olohana Street)
9:05 am: Sheraton Waikiki Bus Depot (Aloha Landing)
9:10 am: Hyatt Regency (Koa Ave)
9:15 am: Waikiki Beach Marriott (Paoakalani Ave)
Driving Out:
Parking at Sea Life Park is $15 per vehicle per day.
Check in at 1 hour prior to your program time at Sea Life Park Hawaii, located at 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795
View Map
Driving Directions:
From Waikiki, take the H-1 East (Lunalilo Freeway). H-1 becomes Highway 72, continue east through residential area. After the residential area ends, continue driving along the coast past Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach, to Makapu'u Point. Sea Life Park Hawaii is located on the left side of the road. You will see the large signage indicating the entrance from the highway.
- Requirements:
- Restrictions:
- Children must be at least 4 years old to participate in this activity.
Children (4-7 years) must be accompanied in the water by a paid adult/youth over 13 years old (one adult/youth per child).
Pregnant women may NOT participate.
The use of safety vests is required.
No spectators allowed in backstage area.
No phones or cameras allowed.
No nail arts with objects attached to nails or objects/paints that can dislodge and cause potential harm to the animals. Nail length should not exceed 25 percent of the width of nail, and nails must be blunt without a pointed end.
All jewelry (including ALL piercings) or anything that can potentially fall off in the water, such as sunglasses, glasses, rings, bracelets, necklaces, hair accessories, band aids etc must be removed. All head coverings such as turban, scarf, hat and beanie must also be removed.
All guests must be in good physical condition. For disabilities, please contact reservations. A questionnaire will be required to be filled out by guest to assess and advise approval to participate in requested program.
It is required that Sea Life Park Hawaii be notified of any special needs guests when making your reservations. Each case must be individually assessed by their experienced staff, and they must properly prepare and staff accordingly. Reservations will be confirmed pending the assessment, and guests may be contacted directly for additional information. Should a guest with special needs arrive without prior notification, Sea Life Park Hawaii will strive in good faith to make accommodations, but cannot guarantee such, and the guest may be declined for certain or all activities. Sea Life Park Hawaii shall not have any liability for special needs guests who claim discrimination or failure to accommodate.
All participants or their legal guardians are required to sign a release of liability and waiver form before participating.
- Special Notes:
- Your park admission is included.
There are lockers available for $6.00 per 4 hours / $2.00 per hour after 4 hours.
Changing rooms available.
Sea Life Park reserves the right to cancel any session due to the welfare and safety of the animals. A portion of admission price goes towards marine animal rescue and rehabilitation programs.
- Operation Days:
- Daily
- Duration:
- Approximately 30 minutes for the full activity; 20 minutes water time
- Vendor:
- Sea Life Park
- Island:
- Oahu
- Capacity:
- 6