Hawaiian Council completes acquisition of Sea Life Park

News admin August 12, 2026 0 Comments

Hawaiian Council completes acquisition of Sea Life Park

WAIMANALO (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaiian Council announced on Wednesday it has completed its acquisition of Sea Life Park Hawaii, bringing the 62-year-old Waimanalo attraction under Native Hawaiian stewardship for the first time.

The private transaction closed on August 11, with the Hawaiian Council purchasing the park from Herschend Family Entertainment. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Under the transition, Sea Life Park will continue daily operations without interruption. Management confirmed that existing reservations, memberships, and annual passes will be honored, and no staff layoffs are planned. To assist with the transition, the Hawaiian Council has brought on Valerie King, a former general manager of the park.

While the park’s day-to-day operations remain unchanged, the Hawaiian Council plans to implement a long-term strategy shifting its focus toward Native Hawaiian culture, marine science, and education.

“For generations, Sea Life Park has helped people discover the beauty of Hawaiʻi’s marine life. Our opportunity now is to help people understand something deeper – that these animals have always been part of Hawaiʻi’s story,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Hawaiian Council. “Under Native Hawaiian stewardship, Sea Life Park can become a place where kamaʻāina reconnect with those relationships and visitors experience Hawaii through the voices and values of the people who have cared for these islands for generations.”

Land Tenure and Operations

Sea Life Park sits on state-owned land overseen by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) currently holds the master lease. The Hawaiian Council will continue operating under the existing lease agreement and expects to work with HPU and state agencies on future educational and research programs.

The park’s animal care staff will remain in place to maintain standard veterinary care and husbandry.

Immediate plans for the park include landscaping upgrades featuring native plants, expanded cultural storytelling, and updated educational programming. The new owners also intend to evaluate opportunities for expanded school partnerships and increased community access.

Sea Life Park will be managed by Attractions Hawaii, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawaii Holdings & Investments (HHI). HHI is the for-profit holding arm of the Hawaiian Council, which operates commercial enterprises to fund the council’s broader community initiatives.

“As we considered its future, it was important to identify an owner who understood that responsibility,” said Eric Rose, Senior Vice President of Zoological Advancement at Herschend. “We believe Hawaiian Council is well positioned to guide Sea Life Park’s next chapter with care, continuity and respect for Hawaii.”