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MK Review: Aquarium of the Pacific's Pacific Islander Festival

May 16, 2019

My family and I were lucky enough to attend the Aquarium's Pacific Islander Festival this month. With my husband being from Hawaii and he and my children having some Hawaiian heritage, it was especially meaningful to see the exhibits and performances that represent Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. Crafts, like lei making, and traditional dances like hula were exciting to see. Adults and children alike enjoyed the cultural demonstrations and, of course, the animals at the aquarium.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has many different ways to educate the public about sea animals and protecting our oceans. Some of my favorite presentations include feeding times for otters, seals, sea lions. I learned the four main differences between seals and sea lions, and how sea otters were nearly extinct because people wanted their water-proof fir coats. My kids loved the touch pools where they felt sharks, rays, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, sea anemones, and other sea creatures. They also enjoyed holding and feeding the lorikeets.

The Aquarium has so much to offer! I can't wait to go back again and see the new wing, which will be opening soon!

Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific