Waikīkī Aquarium “sea-lebrates” 122 years with new leadership and visionary exhibits

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Marcie Grabowski

The Waikīkī Aquarium, a beacon of marine education and conservation for over a century, is marking its 122nd anniversary this month with a bold look toward the future. Under the new leadership of interim director Judy Lemus, the institution is embarking on a period of revitalization, characterized by innovative exhibits, strategic collaborations, and a continued commitment to  the unique aquatic ecosystems of Hawaiʻi and the tropical Pacific.

To celebrate this milestone, the Aquarium will host a 122nd birthday celebration on Thursday, March 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The day kicks off with a community coastal cleanup at 9:00 a.m., followed by a suite of family-friendly activities inside the galleries.

New leader for a new chapter

Stepping into the helm during this pivotal transition, Lemus brings a wealth of experience in marine facility management, research, and education. Lemus served for four years as the interim director of the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology within the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) and is currently the interim associate dean for academic affairs in SOEST. Her primary focus at the Aquarium is on operational improvements and enhancing the institutionʻs role in education, marine conservation, collaborative research, and community engagement.

One major early accomplishment under her leadership has been the successful return of Hōʻailona, the beloved Hawaiian monk seal, to his refurbished enclosure. 

Bringing Hōʻa back has allowed the team to shift focus toward other critical developments, including the Immersion Theater, which now features educational messaging on storm water runoff and 360-degree videos from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.

Revitalizing the visitor experience

The Aquarium is currently a hub of construction and creativity, with several new exhibits in development:

• The Aquaculture Tank: In partnership with Biota, a local aquaculture company, this exhibit will feature fish and coral raised entirely in aquaculture facilities at the Oceanic Institute and Waikīkī Aquarium. This “no-collection” model highlights sustainable trade and will also showcase 3-D structures from HIMB researcher Josh Madin’s Lab that facilitate coral settling.
• The Edge of Reef Redesign: Formerly an iconic outdoor exhibit, the Edge of Reef was dismantled to make way for a critical infrastructure project. A redesign is planned for this exhibit with support from the University of Hawaiʻi, the UH Foundation, and the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium. 
• New Tank for Mullet and More: The large tank that previously featured mullet, a species revered in Hawai‘i as a staple food and in loko ‘ia (Hawaiian fishpond) aquaculture, is being dismantled to make way for a modern habitat. The new enclosure may house mullet and possibly other compatible species such as rays or sea turtles.
• The Aquarium is planning new collaborations with a variety of UH faculty and labs to help bring their work to broader audiences.
• AZA Accreditation: The Aquarium is starting a Pathway Toward Membership program with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold standard in accreditation for zoos and aquariums, with the goal of achieving AZA accreditation for Waikīkī Aquarium in about 5 years. 

Expanding collaborations

This time of transition also comes with enhanced partnerships. The Aquarium has joined forces with the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the designation change for the Papāhanumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. To commemorate this anniversary throughout 2026, the Aquarium will host guest speakers, offer new educational signage, and develop activities for school groups. Furthermore, the Aquarium is incorporating new elements within its galleries to highlight the entire Hawaiian archipelago.

“Managing the Waikiki Aquarium is about more than just animal husbandry; it’s also about our engagement with the public and contribution to conservation of Pacific species, and our role as a public outlet for UH research,” said Lemus. “As we celebrate 122 years, we are not just honoring our history, but building the systems, facilities, and stories that will carry us through the next century.”

Continued celebration

The birthday celebration continues throughout March with additional activities:

• Paint For Your Soul: On March 21, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., guests can paint their own Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa fish canvas. For $40, guests will receive the supplies needed to paint their canvas, a slice of cake, and free admission. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Aquarium’s research initiatives. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, visit here.
• OceanTalk: The Aquarium will also host its first OceanTalk of the year, featuring marine biologist Aaron Judah, who will discuss the importance of the deep sea and the dangers of deep-sea mining. The talk will take place in the Aquarium classroom on March 26 at 4 p.m. To register, visit here.