WAIMANALO DOLPHIN FIELD GUIDE
Twenty Minutes with Waimanalo’s Bottlenose: A Dry‑Land Dolphin Encounter at Sea Life Park
A focused, 20-minute dry‑land program at Sea Life Park where the animal care team explains dolphin behavior and guests help guide enrichment—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Twenty Minutes with Waimanalo’s Bottlenose: A Dry‑Land Dolphin Encounter at Sea Life Park.
Dolphin Aloha is a concise, behind‑the‑scenes dry‑land program in Waimanalo that pairs you with one of Sea Life Park’s bottlenose dolphins for a 20‑minute educational encounter. Led by the park’s animal care team, the session centers on learning a dolphin’s individual personality and natural behaviors and gives guests the chance to guide the animal through enrichment activities.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A focused 20‑minute dry‑land session
This is an exclusive, 20‑minute, dry‑land encounter that puts learning first: the care team presents insights into each dolphin’s personality and natural behaviors in a short, closely guided session.
Guide enrichment activities
Beyond observation, guests have the opportunity to actively guide a dolphin through enrichment activities under staff supervision, creating an interactive and memorable learning moment.
One‑day park access included
Dolphin Aloha includes one‑day admission to Sea Life Park in addition to the 20‑minute educational encounter, so the program pairs the short behind‑the‑scenes session with a full day at the park.
What the day feels like
What the encounter feels like
The flow is compact and purposeful: a brief orientation followed by a dry‑land meet‑and‑greet where the animal care team shares behavioral observations and personality notes about the dolphin, then guided enrichment activities that let guests participate under expert direction.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should rethink it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You may get splashed during the encounter: bring a towel and an extra set of dry clothing. For animal safety, wear only biodegradable sunscreen.
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet—the program is dry‑land but playful dolphins may splash participants.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the age requirement for the Dolphin Aloha?
Guests ages 1 and up can participate. Children ages 1–12 must be accompanied by a paying adult (18+) who is also participating in the program; each adult may supervise up to four children.
What if my party is running late for our encounter?
Plan to arrive at Sea Life Park at least one hour before your scheduled encounter. If you’re running late, call (808) 259-2500; the park will gladly rebook you for the next available time. Missed encounter times are non‑refundable.
What’s included with the Dolphin Aloha?
Dolphin Aloha includes one‑day admission to Sea Life Park and a 20‑minute educational encounter led by the park’s animal care team.
How long is the Dolphin Aloha experience?
The program lasts about 20 minutes. All guests must arrive one hour prior to their reserved start time; arriving late may result in cancellation without refund.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a little wet — one of the dolphins may splash you. Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
What if I need to cancel my encounter?
To cancel, call (808) 259-2500 at least 48 hours before your scheduled encounter. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance, or no‑shows, will be charged in full.
Are there restrictions for expectant mothers?
There are no program restrictions for expectant mothers; the decision is left to each individual.
Will I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. All participants (or their legal guardians) must sign a release of liability and waiver form before the encounter begins. The park recommends signing the digital waiver sent with your confirmation to expedite check‑in.