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
Fish & livestock for sale at Aquascapes in Honolulu, HI
Aquascapes stocks shrimp, rare and hard-to-find species, plecos, aquarium plants and freshwater fish for sale in Honolulu, HI. As a fish store serving Honolulu, HI, it also carries aquarium equipment and offers aquarium consultations and aquascaping.
- 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
“Top quality store. Super helpful and friendly employees, and all the tanks are very well managed. Would highly recommend to everyone.”
— Zach Gebhard5.02 weeks ago“I wanted to try my hand at aquascaping, so came to Aquascapes for some plants. This place could rival Waikiki Aquarium! They gave me excellent advice on plant choice and general maintenance, and I will come back with my kids next time to check out all their amazing set ups! Highly recommended for their excellent and friendly service, and variety of fish, plants, and supplies.”
— Audrey Harris5.02 months ago“Best aquascaping store in Hawaii! Their have amazing displays tanks ! We travel from Bigisland to visit their store . Will definitely recommend to anyone who is into this hobby .”
— Yin Lam Li5.04 months ago“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 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.”
— mister d5.05 months 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
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.