Help Restore the Edge of the Reef
The Edge of the Reef has introduced generations of visitors to the beauty and importance of Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs. Now, you can help restore one of the Waikīkī Aquarium’s most beloved exhibits.
By symbolically adopting a coral polyp, colony, reef or ecosystem, you’ll support the restoration of the Edge of the Reef exhibit while advancing coral conservation, research and educational programs at the Waikīkī Aquarium.
What Is a Symbolic Adoption?
When you adopt a polyp, you’re making a charitable contribution that supports the care and propagation of living corals at the Waikīkī Aquarium. Although you won’t adopt a specific coral, your gift directly supports the restoration of the Edge of the Reef exhibit and helps care for the living coral collection that will become part of its future.
A Living Exhibit
Since opening in 1986, the Edge of the Reef has given visitors an up-close look at Hawaiʻi’s native reef-building corals. As Hawaiʻi’s first outdoor exhibit featuring species such as rice, mound and cauliflower corals, it has helped generations of residents and visitors better understand the important role healthy reefs play in our islands.
Today, the Aquarium’s Coral Team is propagating coral fragments that will become part of the restored exhibit. Your symbolic adoption helps support their care as the next chapter of the Edge of the Reef takes shape.
Follow Your Coral’s Journey
Your adoption is just the beginning.
Throughout the campaign, you’ll receive quarterly updates featuring:
- Coral growth photos and videos
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the Aquarium’s Coral Team
- Educational articles about Hawaiʻi’s reef-building corals
- Progress updates on the Edge of the Reef restoration
Follow the restoration through photos, videos and stories from the Aquarium’s Coral Team as the exhibit takes shape.
Growing the Future Edge of the Reef
Before visitors experience the restored Edge of the Reef exhibit, every coral is carefully propagated, monitored and cared for by the Aquarium’s Coral Team.
Throughout the campaign, you’ll get an inside look at the work happening every day—from preparing coral fragments and documenting their growth to helping shape the future of one of the Aquarium’s signature exhibits.
Polyp
Coral
Colony
Reef
Reef Ecosystem
| Adoption Level | Donation | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Polyp | $25 | “I Adopted a Polyp” sticker |
| Coral | $100 | “I Adopted a Coral” sticker, commemorative certificate and towel |
| Colony | $500 | “I Adopted a Colony” sticker, certificate, towel and private tour for two |
| Reef | $2,000 | “I Adopted a Reef” sticker, certificate, two towels and private tour for four |
| Ecosystem | $10,000 | “I Adopted an Ecosystem” sticker, certificate, up to four towels, private tour for a family or group, and recognition on the Edge of the Reef exhibit plaque |
Thank You for Supporting Hawaiʻi’s Reefs
Every symbolic adoption helps restore the Edge of the Reef exhibit while supporting the Waikīkī Aquarium’s coral conservation, research and educational programs.
Mahalo for being part of the Edge of the Reef’s next chapter.
Ready to Adopt?
Join us in restoring one of the Waikīkī Aquarium’s most beloved exhibits.