ALOHA!
So, is it possible to take the bus to Sea Life Park from Waikiki?
Yes, it is!
Is it convenient to take the bus to Sea Life Park?
Well, it depends on your definition of convenient 😉 but generally, yes, it is!
What makes it convenient is that it will likely take you just a single bus from Waikiki to get there, so no transfers necessary. The other thing that makes it easy is that there is a bus stop right at Sea Life Park, so once you get off the bus, you are there!
The part that you may find inconvenient is the time it takes to get there by bus.
The bus ride itself is around 45 minutes, although it could be closer to an hour if you are staying on the west end of Waikiki near the Hilton Hawaiian Village. You’ll also need to include the time you spend waiting at the bus stop, both getting there and getting back.
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking – what to wear to a luau
Bus directions to Sea Life Park
First, have a look here to get acquainted with the bus system on Oahu.
Once you’ve got the basics of taking the bus on Oahu, it’s pretty easy!
And what makes it even easier?!
Google Maps public transit directions! It’s really all you need to get around Oahu.
So for directions from Waikiki to Sea Life Park, have a look here.
And then there are a few things you’ll want to update to get a better idea of how much time you can expect it to take:
If you know where in Waikiki you’re staying, list that as your starting point so you can get more accurate information. If you don’t know where you’re staying, be sure to have a look at some of these types of vacation rentals on Oahu to save some money!
Another piece of information you’ll want to change is your departure time. If you’re looking at these directions from home at night, it may not show you the best options because the default is set to leave at your current local time. So it’s best to change the time to morning or afternoon to get a better idea. Weekday departure vs Saturday vs Sunday can also make a difference with the bus timings.
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Making a day of Sea Life Park
If you want a more laid back day in Hawaii, you could very well make Sea Life Park your only activity of the day.
If your other days on Oahu are jam-packed and you want a day to take things slower, you can make your Sea Life Park day just that!
You can start your day in your Oahu vacation rental near Waikiki without feeling rushed, then head off to Sea Life Park by bus to spend a comfortable 3-4 hours there, then head back to Waikiki to enjoy the free hula show on the beach with a view of the sunset. Sounds like a perfect day! 😉
Things to do near Sea Life Park by bus
But…
If you want to make your day with Sea Life Park an ambitious day and want to try to do more, you can do that too!
You’ll want to start your day early so you can maximize your time in the area if you do so.
Also keep in mind that the bus over on the east side of Oahu doesn’t come as frequently as around Waikiki and Honolulu, so you might have to wait a little longer for the bus. (Use the Google Maps public transportation directions to explore your options!)
Here are some things that you might want to add to your list of things to do near Sea Life Park!
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
If you’re going to Oahu during whale season, kids and adults can have fun with the free binoculars located on the trail to try and spot some whales in the ocean! This is a paved coastal trail that’s an out-and-back, going uphill one way, and you’ll get views of the ocean pretty much the entire time on the trail. It’s not too strenuous of an uphill, but you’ll want to be prepared for a workout. There are plenty of spots to stop for rest along the way!
The one major issue in heading over to the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail from Sea Life Park with young kids is that there is a section of the road in which the shoulder is on the narrow side. This may make you feel a bit uneasy. You can see pictures here.
directions: sea life park to makapuu lighthouse trail – 15 minute walk to trailhead
more: whale watching on oahu | makapuu lighthouse trail by bus
Hanauma Bay snorkeling
This is the famous bay and snorkeling beach on Oahu that you are sure to hear about! Hanauma Bay is a kid-friendly snorkeling spot, and this is a place that you could also make as the only activity on your itinerary for the day. But if you’re committed to doing both Sea Life Park and Hanauma Bay in the same day, give a try to Sea Life Park in the morning, and then dedicate the afternoon to Hanauma Bay!
directions: sea life park to hanauma bay – 10 minute bus ride
more: hanauma bay snorkel rental | hanauma bay by bus | snorkeling with kids | what to wear snorkeling
Koko Head hike
This you might not want to do with young kids because it is quite the strenuous hike, even for adults. But Koko Head is near Sea Life Park so it’s worth a mention. And, you’ll know that the huge mound you see on your way to Sea Life Park is Koko Head!
If you decide to add on this hike to your day, consider whether you want to get your exercise done first, and then relax at Sea Life Park, or if you want it the other way around! Also pack light, because you don’t want to be lugging so much stuff up the trail! And don’t forget water and snacks!
directions: koko head to sea life park – 10 minute bus ride
more: koko head | koko head by bus | what to wear hiking
More things to do on the east side of Oahu
And for things to do in the area on other days, have a look at more things to do in East Oahu!
HAPPY SEA LIFE PARK PLANNING!
oahu >> east oahu | north shore | central oahu
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking – what to wear to a luau
cost to go to hawaii | budget tips – things to do in oahu | map >> oahu by bus | beaches – snorkeling | hikes | hawaiian culture || cheaper places to stay || hawaiian gifts
There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.
🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling