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25 reviews for Sea Life Park Hawaii
It is sad to read so many negative reviews about Sea Life Park. I have been able to come here from New York on two occasions whenever I have the chance to visit my sister and her family who make Oahu their home. Although I get to save some money by staying with them rather than in an overpriced hotel, the costly entrance fee to Sea Life Park still bites. At over $30 a pop it does hit ones wallet, but I do not think too much about it because I know they use it to keep the place running and most importantly, to further research and provide care for ailing sea animals in their marine biology labs.
The overhead cost of operating any business, especially an aquarium, is got to be high in the state of Hawaii. There is a cost when everything has to be imported from the mainland to live in this beautiful island chain in the middle of the Pacific.
It had been years between visits to Oahu, and on this second time around, I was looking forward to seeing again their "Pirate Themed Dolphin Show". This show involved an almost life sized pirate ship and with an acting cast of over 12 performers that included an unforgettably beautiful trainer who portrayed the "Hawaiian Princess" (sorry, but I had to mention her) but, was so disappointed with a plain old typical routine dolphin show instead. The pirate ship was no longer there. At the time, I thought it was taken away for repairs, but the recent reviews here on yelp seem to imply it is a permanent removal.
Still, being the Aquarium enthusiast, I always try to see and make the best of things. For a few bucks, I had a great time feeding lettuce to the sea turtles, tearing the leaves in halves to make the experience longer. I've been to a lot of other aquariums, this is the only one that I can remember where you can have this opportunity to feed a huge pool of wading sea turtles. It was so cool and a lot of fun!!
When you first enter the aquarium, there is a huge circular show tank that is well stocked with marine fish and corals. However, what I noticed was there were no sharks! From my first visit, I remember they had a baby Hammer Head Shark, but this time around, none. I gather it is for safety, as they use this exhibit where one can snorkel with the sting rays so they can generate extra income. Still, how can you have an aquarium without any sharks?
Sea Life Parks other dolphin show was pretty impressive and fun. A lot of the crowd sitting close to the tank got drenched from the high flying belly flopping dolphins. Everyone's faces were smiling. It is the only show that is shaded from the sun which can be pretty strong. So bring a cap and wear sun block.
The Sea Lion show is also a great feature to enjoy. It looked to have changed from the first time I visited here, and as expected, it was a lot of fun this time around as well. The trainers were really into their performance and of course the Sea Lions were the star of the show doing some amazing tricks.
The park also has an open aviary section with a scheduled talk and feeding. The trainers were friendly and very informative, willingly answering the many questions from the modest sized crowds of children and adults. There are also scheduled feedings of the Penguins and Sea Lions as well.
The park also has a few food stands serving hot dogs, burgers, fries, and of course, shaved ice (a Hawaiian treat). There is also a main dining area offering more variety of food and drinks. Like most any venues, prices are going to be, well, pricey. The gift shop is very nice and surprisingly pretty large as gift shops go.
Also make sure to see the "little island" in the main dolphin cove. For you movie buffs, this is where Adam Sandler serenaded Drew Barrymore in a scene from "50 First Dates!" where Sandler portrayed a Marine Biologist working at Sea Life Park. Sadly, that little outrigger canoe where I first saw my Beautiful Hawaiian Princess rowing in on my first visit, and also visible in the movie scene, is no longer being used.
Since the park also caters to a lot of tourists from Japan, you will hear public address announcements in Japanese from time to time. For extra cost, they have also started to host Hawaiian Luaus with a dolphin show along with it.
Sea Life Park is a great stop for anyone to go, especially for "keikis" (children) and adults alike. The venue is rather on the small side and hopefully the present management of this little gem can keep it's spirit going with a lot of "Aloha".
As several other yelpers have mentioned, the admission for Sea Life Park is overpriced for what you get.
Sea World has more to see and do. Geez, even the Calgary Zoo has more to see and do (and admission is only $14).
The manta rays were fun to photograph, as were the sea turtles, seals and penguins. The penguins and seals loved to pose for the camera.
The dolphin show was far too short. Although I would have loved to play with the dolphins, there was no flippin' way I was going to pay an extra $60 to do so. The $30 general admission rate was hard enough to swallow.
The ocean view is spectacular. My sibling and I walked down to Makapu'u Beach afterward to just sit and watch the waves. That was the ONLY time we got any air circulation.
It would have been nice if Sea Life Park had some of those cooling fans like the ones at Universal Studios that spray out a cool mist to overheated visitors.
It would have been nice if Sea Life Park had a lot more for your money and time.
My Ratings:
Quality - 2 Stars
Quantity - 2 Stars
Price - 1 Stars
Location - 2 Stars
Service - 2 Star
My Opinion/Story:
This place has disappointed me. It's a pretty small park compared to other places we've been to. There's not much to see or do and food is expensive. The only thing that was worth doing there is the dolphin experience which costs alot of money. The lead trainer was scary too.. she kept yelling at the other trainers which makes her sound so b*tchy. For me, it's not worth the price to visit but go only to support the animals. The trainers were pretty informative but other than that they're not all too friendly.
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After going to numerous themed parks in my lifetime, Sea Life Park is definitely the smallest animal park I've ever been too.
The shows and attractions were mediocre, although the surrounding views are breathtaking! When I was waiting in line to get into the park, it was spectacular to have seen a grassy mountain right next to you that rose higher than the clouds! When you're inside the park, it was beautiful to see the endless Pacific Ocean. If there is one thing in Hawaii that no other places have, it's the view. What a beautiful location to have a park in, but I do wish it was bigger with more animals, shows & attractions.
BTW, this was the park that Adam Sandler worked at in the 2004 film "50 First Dates"! Before you visit Sea Life Park; I would recommend watching the movie first, then you'll have an extra appreciation for the park.
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Just went there this weekend, they has a Kalapana concert and a Kapena.
Sea Life Park's dolphin show was very good and entertaining. Though it's a little short there are 2 shows and a seal show. You could easily spend the whole day there although there isn't a lot of exhibits, it's very nice. They definitely need to update and maintain the tanks and exhibits because they look like it falling apart. The staff is seems very knowledgeable and nice. The prices are a little steep for a small park but I guess it ain't cheap to run a aquarium in the first place.
If you want to eat lunch there, I'd go down the street to Waimanalo which is only about 10 mins away.
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I can't recall how much it was before, but the kama'aina rate of $21 was a total rip off! Plus the $4 parking charge???
I thought they renovated the place, but it only looks like it was just new paint. The shows were the same or seemed shorter, I swear the all of the penguins came out of their cage as part of the dolphin show. Their tanks need dire improvement. Don't ever buy any drink/food there! Best to bring your own water and stash of food. Their dolphin encounter is steep as well charging $99/adult or child just to touch them.
I've had great memories here a while back, but from my recent trip, I wouldn't return - unless to view a newborn dolphin and to visit the wolphin, Kekaimalu.
For visitors, I'd recommend to skip this place unless you really really want to see the dolphins. I found it to be total rip off and disappointment.
As Johnny posted, this is a ridiculously small animal park. Spent a relaxing Sunday checking out the sea turtles, mantarays (however you spell it), penguins, and dolphin show. I was somewhat disappointed b/c the dolphin show was the only event for a wknd.
Didn't eat there but water was damn expensive. There was also a great lawn area w/stages & ocean views that might accomodate a great party or luau. In fact, I'm considering it to host an event myself!
I'm really surprised by all the negative reviews, because I had an outstanding time at Sea Life Park. I have been interested in dolphins for years but never went swimming with them because most facilities I've been to have been terrible in terms of dolphin care. Sea Life Park obviously cares about their animals and treats them properly, so I decided to sign up for the Dolphin Royal Swim. That cost $215 and the souvenirs (4 pictures and a DVD) cost $80, but for my $300 I had one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I'm not sure I will ever get to do this again, but I did it at Sea Life Park and it was wonderful. I did feel bad for the people who had signed up for the $99 program because they were watching us be pulled around and have lots of fun, but the website is VERY clear about what you get with each of the programs.
The rest of the park was entertaining, but I was really there for the dolphin swim. The sea lions and turtles all seemed well cared for. I agree that if you're not getting a program, the admission fee is probably expensive, however, it is included in the rates for the programs so it's not too bad. (I don't think they have kama'ina rates for the programs, though.)
I had the time of my life at Sea Life Park. If you want to swim with dolphins, this is the place to do it. Their $165 program is a great deal compared to what you get elsewhere in the world; the $215 Royal Swim is absolutely outstanding. Highly recommended!
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It's a really small park that doesn't have too much but I enjoyed seeing the dolphins especially the wholphin who was entertaining us in her tank after the show. If you want to swim with a dolphin or have a dolphin "experience" you can pay extra to do that here too. I think the facilities need some improvement and maybe some more space for the sea life that live there.
If I could give 2 1/2 stars I would. We went to "swim with the dolphins". We paid a hundred bucks per person. We didn't actually swim with the dolphins. We stood on the outer edge of a pool and as dolphins swam by we got to touch them. We also got to kiss them and "dance" with them too. When I looked over at the other side of the pool there were kids being pulled through the water by 2 dolphins. Now that looked like fun! That's what I would call swimming with the dolphins. I thought there was only one option with the dolphins. I guess I should have pried it out of the ticked counter guy at the front.
As for the rest of the park... it's very small with hardly any shade. The shows are fun but too far apart. We ended up seeing all the shows to justify the crazy amount we paid to get in here.
The food court is a joke. The food really, really, really, really sucks. And its crazy expensive. 5 bucks for a slushy?
As a business owner I tend to judge other owners by how much their employees care and the condition of the establishment. With the exception of the animal handlers, I saw no other employees who seemed to care about anything other than getting their day over with. The place is kinda falling apart and I got the feeling they are hanging on by threads. Sad, truly sad.
Steller views and being in a pool close to dolphins is very nice.
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I wasn't too impressed with the sea world park. the entrance fee was way too overpriced. the locals get 50% off where tourists have to pay 30+ for a really crappy park.
the only two interesting animal to see is the sea lion show and dolphins. but you need to pay extra if you want to play/swim with the dolphins.
I personally think this place is overrated. not worth my 30 bucks
What an awesome day we had at Sea Life Park in Hawaii!!! Before the trip, we weren't exactly aware that we would be going to Sea Life Park, but while we were looking through all of the touristy brochures, we came across an ad for swimming with the Sea Lions! Since we were from Southern California and we know all about Sea World and swimming with the dolphins, we knew how big of a treat it would be to be able to swim with Sea Lions. There are very few places where you can come up close and personal with the sea lions. So, we did just that and it was so much fun! I can't begin to tell you how fun it was to be able to kiss the sea lion!
The dolphin show was also very nice and it was great to see the ocean in the background! I was very happy to be there and would definitely want to go back!
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I'm giving this place 5 stars just because I love this place! The location is breathtaking and that's including the scenic views..it's away from the touristy area of the island. I enjoyed the shows they had to offer. The park is not as big as I anticipated but sure enough I had a blast. Recommended for all ages. You get hands on with sea life animals especially with the kids( extra charge)
Food court on premises but not much to choose from so if you are picky then bring your own lunch and sunblock.
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Its an ok place.
Got in for the kama'aina rate of $21 for each adult..We didnt do any of the atractions because a bit pricy...
The 3 shows were ok, Dont like the fact of sitting in the beating hot sun..
Last time we went was like a few years ago.. I'd say they have gone down hill in the shows..but the place itself has gotten a bit better (thats saying much). they dont tell the "story" in the dolphin cove anymore, the other dolphin show doesnt have the penguins that come out.. the sea lion show was ok.. but again, the first show and last is out in the sun..
2 words of caution when going there, for the haole skin,SUN SCREEN. Also wear some sunglasses and even a hat.And when going in the the ocean theatre for the second show,dont have your electronics past the middle seats of rows closer to the water tank, you will get wet.
It looks like Sea Life Park may have been sold again. Their Hawaiian monk seal logo has been replaced by their old dolphin logo. The Hawaiian monk seal, an endangered species found no where else in the world, was a nice distinctive logo that showed local flare. (Interesting note: Oceana has the almost identical logo for their organization.)
Formerly owned by a local family, the park was sold and repainted some really awful color scheme and the story about an Hawaiian legend was replaced with a lame pirate show.
I got my start in marine biology here working as an animal handler and narrator for the shows, but I'm sad to see how costly the place is (about $32 without a kamaaina discount) and how it drifted from a local business with local flavor to just another dolphin show place. Still, I'll go back again when I'm visiting the islands for nostalgia.
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We went here on a scorching hot day with the young kiddos, and in the end, we were glad we went.
However, you should be warned that this place is not for those on a budget, as the admission fees were pretty insane (even for kids). That said, it was a good activity for the family, and the huge tank that you walk around is cool, and the dolphin shows were pretty cool. Still, it was like at least a hundo for the 4 of us for a couple of hours before everyone literally and figuratively melted down.
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What the heck is up with the admission fee??? This ain't no Sea World, gunfunit! $18 for adult admission ($14 if you're military)?!!! THEN, if you want to feed the sea lions, it's an additional $15!!! $15???!!!!! They used to charge $3 per 5 fish. UGH! OH... and parking... $3!!!!! So, you get to see the dolphins jump and the turtles swim, but the penguins have retired. They no longer swim in that big tank anymore. What fun is left? I'll tell you what fun is left... the fun of sweating to death and then trying to run in the gift shop searching for A/C but not getting anything, fun in watching your kids play in a big netted up playground while you sit in the hot sun, fun watching your kids talk to some random parrot sitting in a bunch o' trees talking back to them. Nope. It's not fun. It's a rip off. If you go, you're only fooling yourself and making Sea Life Park rich.
2 stars for the talking parrot.
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I'm giving Sea Life Park 5 stars because of the "adventures" they now have to offer...honestly we were not expecting much but were pretty blown away by what we got to see and interact with on our Sea Trek and Hawaiian Ray Adventure.
We LOVED the Hawaiian Ray adventure. Our instructor/guide was very informative and it was cool getting to touch the rays--they actually seem quite "friendly" although I'm sure it helps a lot that we had food near us. I was also surprised to learn that they allow snorkeling in the little pool area where the rays are, and we got to see some white tip sharks and other fish including a puffer while snorkeling. The only thing is I wish they had told us this beforehand so we could bring our snorkel gear (the ones they provided were a bit leaky).
The Sea Trek was my favorite--you feel pretty goofy with a heavy astronaut like helmet over your head but it gets pretty easy to manage once you're deep in the water. You do have to keep unplugging/popping your ears as you go further down into the reef aquarium. Make sure you bring your own waterproof camera (or if you decide to bring a disposable one, make sure you get them at Longs for cheaper--at the park, it's very expensive and for a cheapy one). My husband and I went in together, they provided us with wetsuits and water socks. There were two other people who came down for our safety--1 who had a helmet on too and the other, scuba gear just in case. They have you go down this ladder first and then put your helmet on, and you go down with a guide until you reach the bottom where you walk up towards the glass where people look in...then they provide you with food for the turtles and sting rays and fish...this was probably the coolest part, was feeding the eagle rays and getting to touch them and interact with them. You also get to interact a lot with the sea turtles. Overall it is 30 min but it really felt like the 30 min went by very quickly.
As far as the park goes...well, it's alright but I think I would be bored if I were there just to see the park itself. The Hawaii Ocean Theatre show is pretty fun, especially with their "80s" themed music. I do think, though, that the park needs some sort of makeover. You can tell it's not as well maintained as it used to be...hopefully the price they are charging for all these "adventures" will help with that department.
For everything, we paid only about $150 (this is kama'aina rate) for the two of us...which I think is a rather reasonable price considering what you end up getting. I would return only to do either a sea lion or dolphin adventure.
My husband and I visited Sea Life Park on the last day of our Hawaiian vacation, because I always wanted to learn about dolphins. A lot of other establishments offering this adventure were significantly more expensive. I was able to meet two of Sea Life's dolphins, Buster and Maui. They were very playful and fun! I felt like a kid again!!
My husband didn't want to participate, but he did take lots of photos. We also purchased the photos taken by their photographer, Brandon...they came out very very clear and really captured all the fun I was having.
Buster and Maui's trainer, Satoko, was great! She was so friendly and informative. I learned so much about dolphins and that they really enjoy human contact.
One can meet sea lions up-close, as well, but we got there kind of late in the day and ran out of time. To be honest the facility does look a bit run-down, but if you can get past that and enjoy one of the shows or sealife encounters, you will have a great time. A lot of people gasp at the price of $99 for the dolphin encounter, but I think it is worth every penny. I thought it was an amazing experience.
This place needs help! We felt completely ripped off by Sea Life Park. It was like hanging out with a panhandler all day. Anything other than wandering around looking at the sea life in their dilapidated little living areas cost extra. Wanna feed the turtles? Wanna feed the sea lions? EXTRA!! Perhaps they're nickel and diming the tourists to give the place an overhaul, I'm not sure. If you visit Oahu, skip Sea Life Park.
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3 stars because I love dolphins. The highlights of the park are the dolphin swim (but, of course, you have to pay more for that) and the wholphin (1/2 whale 1/2 dolphin, if you didn't already know). "50 First Dates" made this place look so much bigger than it really is. They don't even have that boat/observation deck at the dolphin pool anymore. The turtle feeding is pretty fun, and so is the seal feeding (they hiked up the price for the seals, though). It's an OK place if you have kids, but if you're older, there are other places to go.
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We ended up here after signing up for the "Dolphin Connection" through the Sheraton Waikiki. Granted swimming with the dolphins was a great experience, everything else about this place is a little lame. Its obvious they try to nickel and dime you to death as it seems everything you might want to do costs extra. While I would recommend swimming with the dolphins, don't waste any extra time here. We had a rental car and drove ourselves and that was a good idea since the shuttle left everyone there for half a day while we were able to escape when we wanted to.
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This place was fun for the first 20 minutes. After that, I realized that we've seen the entire place. The shows are spread too far apart so there is a long waiting period with very little to do. The sea lion show was depressing. The stage was runned down and the mic didn't even work for the host. The dolphin/whale show was cool but pretty short. It is way too expensive for what you get.
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I am sorry that I cannot rate this "attraction" with zero stars. That said, if you are looking for a complete rip-off, both in extreme cost, pathetic "shows" and minimal attractions, this could be the place for you! Oh, I can't forget to mention that they will not allow you to bring in any food or drink, so you will have to pay for this as well, and unless you park in the employee lot, you will pay for this, too. Enjoy!
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Not even worth a star. They get you in the door and then rip you off for everything. Price of admission only gets you 3 shows for 20 minutes each with nothing to do in between. Or you can pay $15 per person to feed the sea lions. $100+ to swim with the dolphins. We used to like this place when it was a family destination. Now its just a big tourist rip off. People must have figured it out because there are less and less attendance every year. THEY NEED NEW MANAGEMENT.
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