About
Tucked inside the Nimitz Center in Honolulu, Aquascapes is a pristine, gallery-like shop that has earned a devoted following among Oahu's freshwater planted tank enthusiasts. Owners JoJo and Rena have built something rare — a store laser-focused on the art and science of aquascaping, with every detail curated to match that vision. The space itself feels more like a showroom than a typical pet store.
Instead of cramming tanks wall-to-wall, Aquascapes maintains an open, breathable layout where their stunning display scapes serve as living inspiration. The tanks are immaculate, stocked with healthy nano fish — including half a dozen rasbora species, marble hatchetfish, long-fin green dragon plecos, puffers, and shrimp — alongside a rotating selection of rare and niche species you won't find anywhere else on the island. One reviewer, a hobbyist with 25 years of saltwater reef and African cichlid experience across ten states, called this shop "amongst the best" they've ever visited.
Plants are a major draw. Aquascapes carries tissue cultures, potted plants, and submerged aquatic varieties, all in excellent condition. The hardscape selection — rocks, driftwood, and premium substrates — is equally impressive, and they even offer a sandbox area where customers can experiment with layouts before committing.
Equipment leans toward the higher end, with UNS tanks and ADA products on the shelves. JoJo is known for his deep technical knowledge. Visitors from the mainland describe him pulling up photos of their home tanks and diagnosing issues on the spot, offering detailed guidance with no pressure to buy.
That consultative approach makes the shop particularly welcoming for people setting up their first planted tank. Prices run higher than big-box alternatives — this is Hawaii, and the stock reflects a commitment to quality over volume. A few reviewers have noted occasional customer service friction, but the overwhelming consensus is that Aquascapes delivers an experience that matches its name.
If freshwater planted tanks are your thing, this is the destination shop on Oahu.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationAquascaping
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Stunning display aquascapes that serve as inspiration for hobbyists
- Sandbox area for experimenting with hardscape layouts before purchasing
- Carries UNS tanks and ADA products
- Exceptional variety of nano fish including rare rasbora species and long-fin green dragon plecos
- Extensive live plant selection including tissue cultures, potted, and submerged varieties
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Aquascapes is the neiman marcus of small home aquatic pets. Lots of small live stocks. Remember to have enough cash on hand, or get that investment debit card loaded up with at least $500.00. When you come here, be ready to pay b4 you play. High rollers & big 💰💰💰💰💰 only 🤣 unfortunately no military discount. Kalihi Pet Center does with military appreciation.”
— braddah marlooney5.0a week ago“Aquascapes is the best in the business of aquascaping and fish care. The friendliest and nicest business owners around.”
— Sam de Almeida5.0a month ago“Smaller shop. Very helpful owners. Shop holds a variety of different fish. This place doesn't seem to carry decorative fish tank items because the "fish" are their focus. I would contact the shop first to verify they carry what you need . . .”
— Keli P May (Kelly)5.0a month ago“Best aquascaping and fish store on island. Local owned and operated, excellent quality tanks (UNS) and great selection of fish and plants including tissue culture, pots, and submerged aquatic plants. Jojo and his wife are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Highly recommend to any fish or aquascape enthusiasts!”
— Mylin Elder5.02 months ago“Looking up to setup my first FW planted tank, this was maybe the best shop I could have gone to. Jo provides friendly, technical advice looking out for the success of your tank. He has an amazing stock of rock, driftwood, substrate with a sandbox to setup and experiment with your hardscape. Exceptional fish (half a dozen+ Rasbora species alone), shrimp, and plants for planted community tanks. The shop is probably as nice as you might find anywhere in the world. Prices good for the quality and within range of online retailers. (I had a saltwater reef tank and African cichlids for 25 years and so I've been to a lot of fish stores. This is one is amongst the best.) My little 5g tank with plants and rocks and wood from the shop.”
— Wellington Lee5.05 months ago“This establishment is fantastic! All the scapes are beautiful and they have a nice assortment of nano fish and plants. Of course, being an aquascaping shop, they have a variety of different rocks, substrate and plants, along with the tanks and equipment. It can get pricey though, but then again, it can be an expensive hobby altogether.”
— Paul Lagos5.05 months ago“One of, if not the best LFS on Oahu. You can really tell how much they care about their business as soon as you walk in. I highly recommend if you’re newer to fish keeping. They were very knowledgeable and helpful when it came to stocking my tank with new plants and fish. Along with their wide range of fish they also have a great selection of high end tanks, beautiful live plants and hardscape.”
— Teriana Callanta5.05 months ago“Visited from California and had to stop by and see an LFS - Aquascapes 808 caught my eye. I have my own tank and initially just wanted to browse, but couldn’t help myself asking questions to the very nice owner here (forgot to get his name)! He is super informative, willing offered so much guidance and advice on how to improve my tank, looked at a picture of my tank and immediately assessed the deficiencies and where my issues were arising, and all of this with no expectation of purchase as he knew we were just visiting. The tanks are pristine, his display tanks are so pleasing to look at, and this will be our must-visit list every time we come back. Well stocked tanks, with an assortment of freshwater fish, some of which I’d not seen in my California stores before. Beautiful plants and big selection!”
— Elaine5.07 months ago“Beautiful set ups, clean space and very friendly staff. She was very helpful when i asked for help identifying an aquatic i was unfamiliar with and gave me helpful tips and guidance on how to care for them. My baby loved seeing all the setups and loved the cute puffer fish’s face. Definitely recommend this place if you’re looking for beautiful healthy plants and fish or simply to get ideas for your next project. Can’t wait to visit them again!”
— Dafne Arning5.09 months ago“I was a visitor to Oahu but as an avid fish keeper I had to make time to see Aquascapes. The tanks are gorgeous and I would suggest that you see them yourselves. They carry an excellent selection of higher end tanks and lighting, as well as hardscape components. The plants, lights, etc were a bit different than I am accustomed to seeing in my hometown, but I was not able to purchase anything I was comfortable flying home with. Don't expect to find cichlids or marine fish here, this seems to be focused on, well, aquascapes.”
— Terrence Morton5.010 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (808) 487-0077 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Aquascapes.