Located in Aiea on the island of Oahu, Coral Fish Hawaii carved out a reputation as one of the most dedicated aquarium stores in the Hawaiian Islands. The store's layout told you exactly where its priorities lay: the entire ground floor was devoted to saltwater, while the upstairs housed a freshwater section stocked with plants, rocks, driftwood, aquariums, food, and a rotating cast of fish including catfish, tetras, and goldfish. Occasional pond plants also made appearances.
The store's saltwater history is deeply tied to Hawaii's changing aquarium fishing laws. Before 2022, Coral Fish was legendary for locally caught yellow tangs and butterflyfish at remarkably low prices. When commercial aquarium collection became illegal, the saltwater section took a serious hit.
But the store adapted. By summer 2024, they began importing directly from Christmas Island, bringing back coveted species like Flame Angels, Lemonpeel Angels, Blue Tangs, Goldflake Angels, Declivis Butterflyfish, and the prized Black Tang — fish that had been rare or unavailable since 2020. Shipments arrived several times a month, typically on Tuesdays, and following their Instagram became essential for knowing when new stock landed.
Staff members like Chris, Kellen, and Skyler earned devoted followings for their deep fish knowledge and genuine willingness to help. Chris was praised repeatedly for treating newcomers with patience and respect. Kellen's enthusiasm was infectious, and Skyler was the go-to for freshwater advice.
The store also honored special orders for hard-to-find species and ran a Freshwater Friday discount. Beyond livestock, Coral Fish stocked leak-tested used and new aquariums, live sand, dry and live rock, frozen foods, and filters. The no-refund policy on fish was a sticking point for some customers, and prices — particularly after the fishing ban reduced local supply — drew occasional complaints.
Note that as of late 2024, the store appears to have permanently closed, ending a long chapter of Oahu's aquarium community.
Stace Beest
23 reviews
UPDATE: They're permanently closed. I'm gonna miss this store. Coral Fish is probably one of the best aquarium stores on the island. They have a large assortment of freshwater fish and plants available, such as goldfish, tetras, and catfish. One thing that Coral Fish used to provide was saltwater creatures, especially locally captured fish and inverts. They used to have yellow tangs and butterflyfish for less than $20. Unfortunately, after 2022, commercial aquarium fishing has been made illegal in HI (non-commercial fishing is still okay. For now, at least). As a result, the saltwater section is almost entirely empty, with the only fish in stock being imported species such as clownfish, damselfish, and occasionally some other species. There are also no inverts available, as it’s illegal to import invertebrates into Hawai’i. The lack of saltwater creatures at this store is not the store’s fault. As for supplies, Coral Fish has a lot of them. They sell both used and new aquariums. They also sell dry and live rock, frozen food, filters, and even live sand. The used aquariums are leak-tested. If you’re not there for fish, there’s a trading card/toy store upstairs and dog food for sale at the front desk. It’s a little sad to see what happened to the store after the law changed, but I’m happy to see that this place is still open.
kyle kingston
37 reviews
Permanently closed shop, out of business unfortunately. I was just beginning to be a customer here. 😐
lorene knight
7 reviews
Was very disappointed. It’s not the same since the prior owners retired. Not a very good selection of fish, ( salt water and fresh water) and the prices were very expensive. A fish that used to cost Say $10, is now $45 plus. I’m going to have to see if I can find someone who fishes that can catch them for me! Don’t think I’ll be visiting there again. 🙁
Mark Ogoso
2 reviews
It’s not what it used to be
asrhawaii
12 reviews
One of the few places on island that offers a wide variety of salt water fish.
Nicole Davila
13 reviews
Super friendly knowledgeable staff and I would rather go here than any pet store for my fish related needs.
Cameron Ickes
321 reviews
Cool fish store. Not a huge selection.
Stanford Wong
41 reviews
One the best places locally to get saltwater fish. Bought fish from here for years. Also placed many special orders. Since the summerof 2024, Coral Fish Hawaii has been importing fish directly from Christmas Island. This has brought down the price of some of the favorite staples (Flame Angel, Lemonpeel Angel, Blue Tang, etc.). This has also brought back some of the fish (Goldflake Angel, Declevis Butterflyfish, Black Tang, etc.) that had been rare or unavailable since 2020. Generally receives Christmas Island shipments several times a month (usually Tuesdays).
Amalio Gamboa
17 reviews
Happy to see the inventory of saltwater fish has gone up. Keep it up guys.
Derek Wong
277 reviews
The fresh water section was upstairs and had a good selection. Now they moved it downstairs, and it is small. The best part is fresh water Friday, where you get a small discount.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (808) 488-8801 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Coral Fish Hawaii.
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98-810 Moanalua Rd #10, Aiea, HI 96701, USA
February 7, 2026
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