Waikīkī Aquarium welcomes Alistair Dove as new director

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The University of Hawai'i welcomed a new director for the Waikīkī Aquarium on October 23. Alistair Dove, PhD, who has built a career in academia and the public aquarium world, combines a love of marine life and biodiversity with a passion for sharing the thrill of discovery and cultivating curiosity.

"Following an international search, we are delighted to welcome our new director to the Waikīkī Aquarium at an especially important moment for both the University and our broader community," said Chip Fletcher, dean of the UH Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), home of the aquarium. "The Aquarium has a unique opportunity to bring together the extraordinary science taking place across SOEST with our continuing journey as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning. I look forward to seeing that integration reflected throughout the Aquarium-in its exhibits, educational programs, community partnerships and public events-so that visitors gain not only a deeper understanding of Hawaiʻi's marine environment, but also of the cultural values, knowledge and responsibilities that connect us to the ocean."

Dove, a world-recognized expert in whale shark behavior with over 80 academic publications on marine biology, has served as the chief executive officer of the Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville, Florida, vice president of Science and Education at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, and assistant professor at Cornell University. He is passionate about translating a lifetime of experience in science, conservation, and education into greater public understanding, appreciation, and protection of marine biodiversity and natural systems-locally and globally.

"I am delighted to join both the Waikīkī Aquarium and UH Mānoa teams to help steer the aquarium into its next chapter," Dove shared. "What an extraordinary legacy the aquarium has: over 120 years celebrating Pacific marine life, touching hearts, and inspiring generations of ocean fans and champions. I can't wait to work with SOEST, our community partners, legislators, and Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium to shape a new vision for the future of the aquarium. After all, what better place is there to celebrate the wonders of marine life and the unique and special relationship Hawaiians have with the ocean than Waikīkī, right in the heart of the Pacific?"

The search began for a new director in August 2025 and since that time, Judy Lemus served as interim director of the aquarium, completing critical projects and supporting new initiatives to enhance the animal care facilities and visitor experiences.

"We are deeply grateful to Judy Lemus for her impressive leadership as interim director of the Waikiki Aquarium," Fletcher shared. "During a time when we needed her most, she brought our team together with care and purpose, helping us move forward with confidence."

"It's been my deep honor to have had the opportunity to help lead the Aquarium through this transition and into an exciting new phase," said Lemus. "The staff and volunteers at Waikīkī Aquarium are top notch, and it was a true pleasure working with this small but mighty team. Under the umbrella of SOEST, and the promising direction of Alistairʻs incoming leadership, the outlook for the Aquarium is indeed bright."