Waikiki Aquarium   

2777 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-923-9741
www.waquarium.org

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Owing in part to its age (built in 1919, it's the third oldest aquarium in the U.S.), the Waikiki Aquarium doesn't quite compare to its mainland counterparts, but for the admission, it's a nice hour or so diversion. Grab a wand at the admission counter for a free audio tour to enhance your visit with additional info on the various marine life, which comes mainly from Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. A few sharks make appearances, but it's the Hawaiian monk seals -- one of only two mammals native to the islands -- that are the stars of the show, being the largest of the animals on exhibit (not withstanding the 600-plus-pound giant clam) and the focus of much of the research done by the University of Hawaii, the owner of the aquarium. Other highlights include leafy and weedy sea dragons, a relative of the sea horse and one of the most unusual critters you'll ever lay eyes on; various species of jellies, including a blue-spotted mushroom-shaped blob that resembles a manga character; and reef fish that cover every spectrum of the rainbow.