July is a special time to visit Sea Life Park on Oahu. This month, the park shines a spotlight on one of the ocean’s most powerful, important, and often misunderstood animals: sharks. The celebration is called Manō Month: Sharks of Hawaiʻi, and it runs from July 1 through July 31.
In the Hawaiian language, manō means shark. In Hawaiʻi, sharks are more than ocean predators. They are part of the marine ecosystem, part of local stories, and deeply connected to the health of the ocean. Manō Month gives families, visitors, and ocean lovers a chance to learn more about sharks in a respectful, fun, and educational way.
At Dolphin World, we love experiences that help guests see marine animals with fresh eyes. Many people visit Oahu looking for beaches, luaus, sightseeing, and fun things to do near Waikiki Beach. Sea Life Park is a great choice because it combines ocean education, animal encounters, Hawaiian scenery, and family-friendly activities in one location.
What Is Manō Month at Sea Life Park?
Manō Month is Sea Life Park’s July celebration focused on the sharks of Hawaiʻi. The goal is to help guests better understand why sharks matter. Sharks help keep marine ecosystems balanced. They are part of the natural ocean food web, and learning about them can help replace fear with respect.
Throughout July, Sea Life Park is offering shark-focused talks, activities, and interactive learning opportunities. Guests can meet members of the animal care and education teams, ask questions, and observe sharks in a safe and meaningful setting.
Sea Life Park July Shark Schedule
- 10:30 a.m. Daily Shark Snorkel at Hawaiian Reef Lagoon
- 2:00 p.m. Shark Feeding at Shark Cave
- July 19–26: Manō Week with additional activities and talks
- July 26: Keiki Sunday with family activities, hula, games, crafts, and more
These activities give guests a closer look at sharks while also teaching why these animals are important to Hawaiʻi’s ocean environment.
Manō Week: July 19–26
From July 19 through July 26, Sea Life Park adds even more shark-themed activities and talks during Manō Week. This special week expands the month-long celebration with additional learning moments, guest speakers, and educational opportunities throughout the park.
Manō Week is a great time for families who want more than just a regular park visit. It is especially helpful for children who are curious about sharks, marine animals, conservation, and Hawaiian ocean life. Instead of only seeing sharks from a distance, guests can learn about their role in the ocean and why protecting them matters.
Keiki Sunday: July 26
Manō Week ends with a special family day called Keiki Sunday on July 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Keiki means children, and this day is designed with families in mind.
The day begins with an early morning beach cleanup in partnership with 808 Cleanups at Kaupo Beach from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. After the cleanup, families can enjoy special in-park activities that celebrate sharks through education, creativity, and conservation.
Keiki Sunday Activities Include:
- Shark-themed crafts and games
- Community nonprofit booths and guest speakers
- Sea Life Park education stations and activities
- Take-home arts and crafts
- Photo booth experiences
- Keiki hula performances by Hālau Hula ʻO Pukaʻikapuaokalani
- Character visits, games, and family-friendly activities
This is a wonderful way for children to connect ocean fun with ocean responsibility. They can enjoy music, hula, games, and hands-on activities while also learning that sharks are an important part of Hawaiʻi’s marine world.
Shark Snorkel and Reef Encounter During Manō Month
One of the best ways to celebrate Manō Month is with the Shark Snorkel, also known through Dolphin World as the Reef Encounter. This experience takes place in the Hawaiian Reef Lagoon and is a memorable option for guests searching for Swimming with Sharks Oahu or Snorkeling Oahu activities.
This is not an open-ocean shark dive. It is a controlled, shallow-water reef experience inside Sea Life Park. Guests can snorkel in the lagoon, see colorful Hawaiian reef fish, and observe white tip reef sharks in a safe environment. Before entering the water, participants receive an educational briefing so they understand what to expect and how to enjoy the experience responsibly.
For many guests, this is the perfect introduction to sharks. It gives you the excitement of being near sharks without the stress of rough ocean conditions, boat travel, or deep-water diving. Families, first-time snorkelers, and ocean lovers can enjoy a close-up reef experience while learning why sharks deserve respect.
Click here to book the Shark Snorkel / Reef Encounter at Sea Life Park
Add a Dolphin Program to Your Sea Life Park Day
Manō Month is all about sharks, but Sea Life Park also offers some of the most popular dolphin experiences on Oahu. If your family is interested in swimming with dolphins Oahu, this is a great opportunity to plan a full marine-life day.
The Dolphin Exploration is a deeper-water dolphin swim experience for guests who want a more active dolphin program. It is a favorite for visitors who dream of getting in the water and having a closer dolphin interaction.
The Dolphin Encounter is a wonderful choice for families who prefer a shallow-water dolphin experience. Guests can enjoy time with dolphins while learning from the animal care team. This option is often a good fit for families, younger guests, or anyone who wants a more relaxed dolphin program.
By pairing a dolphin program with the Shark Snorkel, guests can enjoy two very different sides of marine life in one visit. Dolphins are often seen as playful and friendly, while sharks are sometimes misunderstood. Experiencing both can give guests a better appreciation for the variety, beauty, and importance of ocean animals.
Make It a Full Oahu Experience with a Luau
For visitors planning a vacation day from Waikiki, Sea Life Park can be more than a daytime activity. Many guests also ask about adding a luau to their Oahu plans. A marine-life experience during the day and a Hawaiian luau in the evening can make for a full and memorable island itinerary.
This combination works especially well for families, couples, and first-time Oahu visitors who want ocean animals, Hawaiian culture, beautiful scenery, and a fun evening experience all in the same day.
Why Visit During Manō Month?
Manō Month is more than a promotion. It is a chance to learn, explore, and connect with Hawaiʻi’s ocean life in a deeper way. Sharks are essential to healthy marine ecosystems, and Sea Life Park gives guests a safe place to observe them, ask questions, and build respect for these incredible animals.
Whether you are interested in Swimming with Sharks Oahu, Snorkeling Oahu, swimming with dolphins Oahu, or simply looking for fun things to do near Waikiki Beach, Manō Month at Sea Life Park is a strong choice for July.
Celebrate sharks. Learn something new. Add a dolphin experience. Enjoy the beauty of Oahu. And let Dolphin World help you plan a marine-life adventure your family will remember.
