A Day at Sea Life Park Oahu Hawaii

While Strolling thru the park on Wednesday a weekday, I noticed the park was not over-crowded, the grounds of the Park was clean and well manicured. The tanks that the marine life swam in were clean and the water looked healthy like it was changed regularly. I have been to many parks and I would rate this to be an A+ Facility. While at the park from 9:00 a.m. – 9 p.m. I experienced the following activities:

Watching the Dolphin Show
I was entertained by three Bottlenose Atlantic Dolphins, Maui 500 lbs, 40 yr old Komowano and 25 yrs old Kamohani. These Dolphins performed marvelous jumps and dives as their trainers used operative conditioning/positive reinforcement training by feeding them fish each time the appropriate task was performed. The highlight of the show however was the Walphin. Kayamalau is the only known Walphin in captivity. A Walphin is a crossbreed between a Killer Whale and an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. This Walphin was born at Sea Life Park 23 yrs ago, she is 800 lbs has a shorter snort and is bigger and darker than her brothers and sisters.

Feeding and petting the Turtles
I really enjoyed feeding lettuce to the Turtles and having a chance to interact with them and to pat their shells and legs. These giant Turtles come right up to you unafraid lured by food…they are truly adorable and creates excitement for the kids!

Learning about different types of marine life like the Sea Urchin and Starfish
Volunteers with a passion to serve were available to educate and answer questions. I met Anna, a volunteer educating people. She informed me about the reef endangerment and overfishing problems. I was sad to hear that the reef dies because it gets overgrown with Algae caused by chronic overfishing….there is nothing to eat the algae hence the problem! Sea Life Park is always looking for volunteers. I was told if I knew of anyone interested in volunteering to have them contact the park 1-866-393-5158.

Sea Trek Program

We had booked 4 weeks in advance an exciting Sea Trek, where Snuba helmets were placed on your head and you are submerged in a huge underwater aquarium, to play with spotted Eagle rays, turtles and feed many tropical fishes. The youngest diver that could perform this activity is 13 years of age. Once under water we walked until we got to a certain point in the tank where our Guide made sure our feet was solid on the ground. There was also a Safety Diver behind us that served as a lifeguard in case we lost balance, alternate air source in case helmet failed, panicked or something was not 100% right. Our guide gave us lettuce to feed the fish and there was a great abundance of different kinds of fish (fishes with horns, multi-color fish and blow fishes). Then the very over-friendly cousins to the Sting Rays called Spotted Eagle Rays came over to greet us. The Eagle Rays kept circling and coming near as they wanted to be petted. We fed them lettuce while stroking their bellies, which only encouraged them to linger and stay in the area. Giant Sting Rays lay on the ground hovering. In the meantime we saw Sharks swimming in the distance but not coming too near. The highlight for me was when the instructor brought over a gigantic Sea Turtle that was very old and allowed me to pet him and feed him. We were underwater for twenty-five minutes…I really enjoyed this activity even if I was an avid Scuba Diver I would never have been able to feed and pet wild marine life as I did. I would recommend this experience to anyone who wanted to have a fun and an entertaining Sea Trek experience!

Swimming with Dolphins Oahu Hawaii

The Staff at Sea Life Park was not only courteous and friendly, but went to great pains to educate both adult and children on what to expect on the Swim with Dolphins Honolulu. After verbal instruction from the staff at Sea Life Park we were shown an educational video that went through all the activities we were to experience when interacting with Dolphins. The staff gave each swimmer life jackets, wet suits and booties to put on and a 2-minute brief reiterating what was said before. I got to rub the Dolphins belly only avoiding his belly button. I rubbed the Dolphins smooth velvety exterior…the Dolphins were so friendly and seem to thoroughly enjoy the interaction. The next activity was to cradle (hug) and kiss the Dolphin while having my photo taken The Instructor had me swim into the middle of the pool where she signaled two Dolphins to swim with me. I was instructed to stand like a “T” in the water legs together both hands out at the side with the palms held flat. The Dolphins has incredible sonar called eco location, which allows them to detect an object/humans exact location in the water The Dolphins retrieved me and I held on to both Dolphins’ fins simultaneously and swam at a rapid rate until the Dolphins brought me to shore. . The last ride was indeed the most spectacular and exhilarating. The instructor had me swim into the middle of the pool once again where I was told to make an “X” with my body while on my stomach…..legs apart and hands apart. This time the Dolphins would give me a “Toe Push.” . The two Dolphins swam towards me rapidly circled and came from behind me and with their noses each Dolphin found a corresponding foot and lifted me out of the water. It felt like I was Superman flying through the air except the Dolphins were supporting the weight of my body. Believe it or not I wanted to do it again because I enjoyed the entire experience so very much! We were both laughing and having so much fun and enjoying every moment of this with each other.

Sea Lion Show
The Sea Lion Show was quite funny and entertaining. These creatures are truly loving and friendly as they perform for many audiences and gets rewarded with tasty fish!

Experiencing the Luau
The night ended with a great Hawaiian Luau where we watched a special show with the Dolphins, Sea Lions and adorable Penguins. Everyone enjoyed this because it was a precursor to the delicious Hawaiian Buffet Dinner. A traditional Luau set at Sea Life Park Hawaii, an original option among the Hawaiian Luau Programs to enjoy the Polynesian Culture. The Sea Life Luau features an amazing dolphin show, delicious Hawaiian buffet and Polynesian revue with the spectacular Fire Dance. During the Sea Life Luau, guests enjoy breathtaking views of Makapu´u Point and Rabbit Island while dining under the stars.

Guest arrival include real Orchid Lei greeting, photo, welcome cocktails and live music at the Cove. Guests are free to explore Sea Life Park during this time. Traditional "imu" presentation and "the call of the conch shell" transport you to a magical world of music and dancing, with a great performance by the famous dolphins of Sea Life Park Hawaii. Hawaiian Luau Programs are celebrations for weddings, birthdays, or any other happy occasion. They are traditional fiestas full of happiness... and ours also include the incredible dolphin show! The Hawaiian Buffet dinner included: Tossed Salad with Dressing, Assorted Vegetables, Sashimi, Lomi-Lomi Salmon, Tako Poke, Tofu with Shoyu Ginger Potato, Macaroni Salad & Cucumber, Tako Namasu Jell-o, Fresh Fruit Tray Teriyaki Beef, Grilled Medallion Mahi-Mahi, Kalua Pig, Lau-Lau, Poi Chicken Long Rice, Yakisoba, White Rice, Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls & Butter, Dessert: Assorted Cakes and Pies, Coffee or Tea. If you want to experience some of Hawaii’s authentic cuisine you will not want to miss this buffet!
With a fun Hawaiian Dance show, Fire Dancer and live music….you will enjoy yourself…if you are adventurous, you will have an opportunity to join the dancers and shake it up Hawaiian style!

It is an amazing adventure to share with family and friends or for honeymooners it is the romantic time you have heard couples recount countless experiences.