When my kids were little, I had an annual pass to Sea Life Park. Fast-forward a few decades, and I have one again, this time for my grandchildren (I know, I know… I look way too young 😉). My biggest surprise going back? Nothing had changed. Literally, nothing. It’s still a beautiful and unique place with tremendous potential, but let’s be honest, it’s tired.
So I was excited to see the Hawaiian Council (formerly CNHA) acquire the 62-year-old park, putting it under Native Hawaiian stewardship for the first time. The vision is to expand its focus on Native Hawaiian culture, marine science, and education. Hawaiʻi needs attractions that are compelling for visitors while also meaningful to the community, and Sea Life Park has the opportunity to be both. Kuhio Lewis and the Hawaiian Council have been making some interesting moves lately.
There’s clearly a lot of work and investment ahead. My annual pass just expired, and I wasn’t planning to renew it… but now, who knows? 😉
