Small quarters but the selection packs a decent punch. Owners and staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful. Not your usual aquarium store layout with most tanks on one side of the store while accessories and food aisles dominate the square footage, but tank-maintenance, small pet, and reptile wise, they have a lil bit of everything you need. It's all there. I was looking for more aquatic plant additions, shrimp, and loaches for my tanks when the owner informed they get re-stock and new shipment every Tuesday. I ended up leaving with male guppies, Molly's, and some homemade beef jerky (which was 10/10 btw) that auntie at the register offered instead. Don't know anything about the "smell" mentioned in earlier reviews because there wasn't one, not even the pet store kind that's expected. On the subject of earlier reviews, as far as service goes - it was busy since it was a Saturday and no one was rude or unhelpful to us considering we came in a big group with teens and kids, an age range famously known for wandering around with zero spacial awareness for others. They could have been annoyed or impatient about that alone, but they were accommodating given the size of the store. One staff member entertained my kid-sister's questions and requests while simultaneously helping others and cleaning the tanks. An example for you. For being a local family owned business since the 80s, I don't think over-the-top service is necessary. But I have a soft spot for small local business owners, so what do I really know? They keep the community alive. It gives them their own character. I doubt a 3 or less star review would negatively impact these long standing businesses anyway. But that's because I live in reality. I'll be returning every other Tuesday after they've acclimated/quarantined the last weeks new shipments. The location beats having to go Kalihi or Town if you live in nearby neighborhoods. Love that. read more

I like their selection of fish. Owner very knowledgeable and prices are very fair. Aquariums are maintained.

I think they've got a really decent selection, definitely more fancy and expensive guppy strains to offer at the moment, and some common fancies in a blond color. I think it's a bit less species variety overall than maybe the fish shops in Kalihi and the aquarium concepts shop nearby in mapunapuna, but a bit more selection of fancy guppies at the same time. The big-brain flower horns, discus, some display tanks, and axolotls were a cool surprise. Some of the resident loaches were huge, especially the albino dojo near the front! Too bad I forgot to take a photo. That thing must be like a foot long and a decade old, and maybe as thick around as a portuguese sausage. Huge hump of fatty muscle along its back. I'd been wanting to check this place out! It definitely is a little cramped and cluttered looking inside and the smell is a little strong, but not too bad. There was a long-gone hollow goldfish staring at the sky, that gave me small-kine jump scare when I squat down to look at a tank. It was just randomly drying out at the bottom of a bucket in the aisles, which was, uh... anyways. I wanted to know more about an unlabeled and unpriced freshwater plant that somewhat resembles seaweed, so the buff dude grabbed a handful to show to the cashier lady at the front. The buff dude was attentive and personable throughout my visit, and did his best to answer questions about the fish, which I appreciated. The cashier lady though, she mumbled a name but I don't think she knew the plant that well and didn't write it down either. What she was somehow very sure about was the price, lol... just plainly stated the price for a clump is $7.99, though the tank of plants above it were organized in much neater clumps, and advertised at $5.99 each. Not only that, she had to step down from the cashier box to get her hands wet, and manually separate the handful of plant that the man grabbed. Started as a healthy, natural looking clump that would fit nicely in an 8 oz container, and she tore it in half. So, now it's small enough that it fits in the palm of your hand! Did she think to wash her hands first after handling cash and coins all morning? Nahh... But she was very insistent to him that he was definitely (and arbitrarily) holding two clumps, not one! She knew I wanted to buy it, and I'd already got a few pricier fish in my cart, so I guess she felt I could afford to cough up an extra few bucks. Yeah can, just don't think that I don't notice the grubbing... Business goes on as usual. I needed to get on with my errands that morning and eh, the shop has some local mom-and-pop vibes so I gave it a pass. read more

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I've been going to this store since 1986. The owner has always been super friendly and knowledgeable. If you keep aquariums and need supplies, fish or plants they may have it here. The treasure hunt is part of the appeal!!!! read more

Tons of selections of fish and plants. Kids had fun and love their fish. Hoping we get guppy babies soon.

Just wanted to know if you guys have rabbits for sale and how much need one for my son asap

The place is cramped, highly dirty, and the fish look so unhappy. Their tanks are dirty and unkept, there are dead fish floating in the tanks in some of them, and the other animals look unhealthy and the cages are wrong for them. I hope someone does something about this. read more

Very friendly and helpful workers . Great prices too . Sooo much different variety of fishes to buy .

Stopped by after months of seeing the place in Stadium Mall Shopping Center. It's in the corner but the decor outside is enough to catch your eye sometimes. First impressions here, the smell is very typical of a pet store. Quite the labyrinth when you get to the fish part of the store to the right, lots of salt water and fresh water options. Fish, prawn, turtles. Decor, tanks, and plants. Saw some guinea pigs along the back wall adjacent to the birds. Love birds and parakeets I think. The walls are ceiling high, stuffed with merchandise. Whats available to purchase versus just stock for the shop? Not sure. I invite you to ask as the owners are friendly. They work the cash register which is in the front. Not the highest quality or the cleanliness but if youre in need of something other pet stores on the island dont have, try here! read more

I like their fish selection. I bought a little black karasu from them about 2 years ago. She was just a few inches long, but she's now about 15 inches and ready to go into the big pond. After moving all my koi to a bigger pond, I fell in love with ranchu goldfish. Just got my first 2 here and they are looking happy in my empty koi grow out tub. Will come back often to check their ranchu stock. read more

Moanalua Pets - The fully grown karasu at the top right. - Pet Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This my second time going to this place. One of the only place these days you can find fishes for sale. Been a customer back in the early 90s. Just started up with a small tank again. I remember the service was so friendly and sincere.' But the first time there was an old man working and he just seem rude and didn't want u to buy anything as if he was too busy tending to the fishes. Couple months later I went to try and buy a fish and the young man was busy on his phone. I politely ask if they had certain type of fish. I assume he was gonna show me what they have. I don't know anything about the fish. And he persisted to ask me what kind, there is hundreds of kinds. Trying to give me lessons on the types. Maybe if he showed me what they had, I can chose one. But he wanted me to be specific on what I want. How would I know the hundreds of names that have. I don't work at a fish store. I stayed polite and just bought whatever I saw . Not knowing what other types I could have chosen from. It was rude experience two visits in a row. I thought it was only a fluke. Only the long time female person at the register Is friendly and even offer to sell some veggies from Her yard. Very polite and has social customer service. But what can u do, this the only place close to look for fish and supplies. Maybe the two males are father and son? They have the same attitude towards helping . I understand u gotta tend to all those fish tanks. But it really feels not welcoming when they don't ask if you need anything or help. The place has a big variety of things and fishes and I used to bring my nephews when they were small and want to bring my grandkids, to see the fishes , but it just seems like they will not be welcome and might even get scoldings for being excited to see all the fishes. I hope they will fix the customer service. Maybe the 3rd t time will be a charm. read more

I visited this pet store once before, but I did not stay long. Today, though I stayed much longer and looked at their fish a lot more. The store is kind of cramped, but not too bad. I found a betta fish on the ground, and I put it into this bucket on the ground. Alerted a worker but they did not do much, just acknowledging it. I also found a huge B52 roach, on top of the some betta containers with live fish in them. Alerted a worker again and they said that they'll just let the spiders handle it. I would rate this pet store better, but I feel that the living conditions of the fish are highly unnatural. Fish in tiny bottles, stacked on top of other fish in containers. I also feel that this store is under kept and dirty. read more

The grumpy old lady was working the front today with no customer service. She was too busy chit chatting w/another working talking so loud. I get it you're store is cramped kids come in the store to look but you didn't have to make that comment to my son about "If you break your cheap China figurine you buy it" comment. read more

The animals are not in proper cages at all. The place smells of fish, and the tanks are FULL of algae. I'll only ever buy from here to the animals into proper cages and to proper homes read more

Moanalua Pets - Pet Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Any store with animals is a must-go for our son. However, this is my first time walking my son in and my first impression wasn't good. Pros: -Parking is easy, plenty of fish to see, and lucky enough you'll see a random Silky Chicken inside! -He enjoys seeing the different variety of fishes, assortments of decorations, and the pretty birds in the back. Cons: - It is a bit crammed with narrow isles. Quite dark, which my son had me hold him the whole time. - The appearance inside hasn't been up kept. It was dirty and seemed a bit stuffy. - Absolutely no customer service. There were a total of about 4 staff on the floor. Not one greeted us with a "Hello" or took it upon themselves to ask, "Is there something I can assist you with?". My son was even ignored when he said HI to the man... If it weren't for my son, I'd most likely go elsewhere. Other than this, we'll be back for my son's entertainment. read more

Moanalua Pets - Moanalua Pets - Pet Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Amazing service and employees had helpful advice to make sure you properly cared for your pet.

Family run business is great. Great customer service and great products. I get the dog treats here. Also have lots of good fish products. The people are very knowledgeable and friendly. My fave pet store. read more

I used to ask my mom to let me browse the store for a bit when I was little, but was never able to buy anything back then. Here I am as an adult and I've finally purchased a fish from here! They have a betta wall with a pretty good selection. Most of the fish looked ok. I ended up selecting a beautiful paradise/blue mustard half moon betta ($15), one that was pretty lively and interacted with me. Due to the pandemic, they are only allowing a small amount of people in and ask that you do not loiter in the store for too long. Before entering, they ask for the purpose of your visit. The store itself is not very spacious, which makes social distancing difficult, so it makes sense to limit the amount of customers in the store to a very small amount. I was in and out of the store after about 7-8 minutes. Service is quick! And my fish is doing well. Since this was pretty much my very first visit as an actual customer (this unfamiliar with the staff), I did want to comment that it was kind of difficult for me to differentiate who was a staff member and who was a customer if the staff was not actively working on a task. I think name tags or a uniform would help - however I am open to being corrected. Maybe there was some sort of uniformity and I didn't notice because I was trying to get in and out as soon as I could! Looking forward to coming back eventually and helping to support local pet stores. read more

Moanalua Pets - Paradise/blue mustard half moon betta $15 - Pet Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Located inside stadium mall, Moanalua Pets has been here as long as I can remember. They're probably one of the original tenants. Recently, I picked up some guppies. If you're into growing gold fish, this is the place to be. They had so many goldfish. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos. So sorry. They offer great customer service as well. Free parking is available. read more

Moanalua Pets - Pet Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I like how they're family owned and informal too. Yeah they run a business, BUT, they're also knowledgeable about many creatures. Not too much people k ow their jobs thoroughly and these people do. If I could have pets... I'd definitely ALWAYS visit this store for information or products. I just wish they're offer some discount or rewards or advertise their sales. read more

If it was possible I'd give them 0 stars. I called to get information to see if they had a plant for my axolotl, the lady on the phone says "let me check" and instantly says "no" I didn't know checking would take only seconds. Like did you actually take the initiative to even go check. Also I over heard one of the employees say to another staff member "don't answer the phone, it's not worth the time" okay. Worst customer service ever. Especially during this difficult time....Would you not want to give better customer service? I live in the area, and I will definitely not be coming back, I'll drive to kalihi pets. At least they have wayyy better customer service and the people there are actually nice.Disappointed and annoyed to say the least. read more

If you're looking for exotic fish, Moanalua Pets is THE BEST!...The place is not fancy at all, kind of reminds me walking thru my old uncle or grandpas patio...As you walk around you hear the buzzing sound of the air pumps...There's so many cool fish, my faves are his arrows...Bought mine from him about 8 years ago and waiting for them to get more... Family owned and they are all so knowledgeable about all kinds of aquatics...If you're looking for cool fish with great service, go and check out Moanalua Pets! PS if you thinking of buying an arrow, be sure to have choke extra life/time cause these fishes are no joke BUT oh so worth it! read more

Saw all the one star reviews but was desperate to find specific animal food. After answering they were out, I was still talking, trying to find out when they might be restocked and he just hung up on me! Awesome customer service. Makes me really want to go buy something from them! read more

I purchased a glass water bottle for a cage and it didn't work correctly so I went back in a few days to do an exchange/get a refund. That was on Saturday 3/25/23 approx. 11:30am. The lady at the register was annoyed and didn't want to deal with me. She wanted me to put the water bottle back together the way it came while calling for a young man to take care of me. While he started working on the bottle, the lady told him to take the rest of the pieces off the counter. She had customers to ring up. He nicely told her he didn't need the pieces (brackets etc. to secure the bottle to the cage) to show me. He showed me how to manipulate it to make it work, and that was simply all I needed. I kept the bottle, didn't need a refund or exchange. The lady could use some customer service skills, it could do good for the business. The place is dirty and cramped. When I initially bought the water bottle, I had to ask the cashier to wipe the bottle down. It was very dusty and I have allergies. I always try to buy local and support local businesses. But I have no plans returning here unfortunately because they're in my neighborhood. read more

I have nothing but good things to say. Helpful? Yes! Knowledgeable? Yes! Friendly? Yes! Thanks for doing a good job and making the shopping experience a memorable one. Remember workers out there, if you are in the service industry regardless if you get tipped, make the experience a memorable one. I mean a good memory. Thanks again! Please come here and check them out. Or don't. That way not too crowded. read more

Another pet store I've been a customer to since I was young. Located where ice palace is. Parking could be full sometimes and they're not the cleanest pet stores. Other than that they got everything you need for pets. Miles the owner is a good guy along with his sister who runs this store and the sister store. I usually go for their fish selection since he imports from Thailand and what not. Update: just found out the sad news that they are closing down their sister store pets plus which was our go to spot growing up. It's been couple years since my last visit and I always try hit up my old stomping grounds and moanalua pets was one of them. Good to see the store is still running great and still seems busy. Prices are still awesome along with the excellent customer service. read more

visit here because eventually i'm planning to buy more fishes since I expanded my tank. I was looking around all the fishes, I noticed two guys were dressed casual talking to each other just about random stuff like fishes. We didn't get in there way but they walked near us side by side and circled around all the tanks until we ended up where the bettas were held. I remember being able to freely walk through to check them out but not anymore since it's blocked off so that was fine. One of the guys ask if we were good. I guess he noticed I was eyeing out the area where the bettas were because I never seen that part blocked off so I was confused and said we were good. So the casually dressed males were coworkers, that's how I found that out. I try not to stare at people so I didn't know if they were employees or not because they look like customers. Then we walked back into the regular part of the shop to the back and checked out the chameleons, it was so cool. Noticed the two male coworkers followed us and stopped in the middle of the aisle. Keep in mind that these aisles are so small and cramped because it's such a tiny store. As we were done browsing we decided we definitely killed enough time for my appointment and started to head out and had to pass the employees in the cramped aisle. Didn't realize it until I got home when I kept thinking about how the employees basically followed us throughout the store and it made me uncomfortable because what is the actual reason for it? that's what I wanna know. You asked us if we were good, your way of asking us if we needed help and we didn't need help. This experience has made me not ever want to step foot into this store again if i'm just going to be followed and watched. Never had a feeling like this ever. But thanks for the angelfish I bought 3 years ago. read more

Myles really knows his stuff. Really tried working with me on a certain item I thought was a bit pricey but he was able to give me a price break down for even how much he got it for. It was probably a rare sight to see and I should consider myself lucky since most local store owners wouldn't even attempt to show you anything behind the counter. Really nice guy and the new young guys working there are great! Quick learners I bet under Myles wing. They know what they are talking about and the species of fish they sell. I mean I walked in there and they immediately smelled a novice fish keeper as I browsed for a long time and so they tried to work with me and my cousin. They have a really really nice selection of aquarium components, some brands even better than what big chain pet stores carry. They have some great disease prevention called prazipro which is extremely hard to find but works wonderfully for ich. No other store I've seen besides kalihi pet center has that medication. They have extremely powerful heaters. As well as ginormous fish. Really tempted to grab them but I believe I'm still novice for it. read more

Moanalua Pets is my favorite local fish store (LFS). I've been going here for over 5+ years. They always have the coolest/unique fishes at affordable prices. Never had any major problems with any of the fishes I bought there. Just have a well established cycled aquarium and you should be usually fine. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. One time I came looking for an algae eater for my community tank. They directed me to the small and friendly Otocinclus instead of the Siamese Algae Eater (which grows much larger and can be aggressive). Moanalua Pets also offers a wide assortment of decorations like plants, ceramic ornaments, substrate, and hardscape. Their plants are more affordable compared to other LFS. For my latest visit, I bought more Kuhli loaches. I originally some in December 2020 but I read they become more active in larger groups. They are so cool and cute looking. They were only $2.25 versus $3.99 I saw at the other LFS. As others mentioned, the store is a little cramped. But if you are able to look over that, this is a great pet fish store overall. Pro Tip: call before hand to see if they have the fish you are looking for in stock. read more

Moanalua Pets - New Kuhli Loach from May 2021 hiding in a flower pot. - Pet Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Location is in the same lot as Ice Palace. There are two stalls marked for ten minute parking for their store right in front. Signage stating need masks and if you would like you can have some help you on the outside of the store. The inside is kinda small making it hard for social distancing but I've had it worse at Home Depot and that's a huge store. Employees and customers were all wearing masks. It was a pretty quick and simple Transaction. I was able to ask for brackish water- comes premade in a 32 oz bottle with one live shrimp for $10.00. They also have fake plants and mini figurines I was able to purchase for my shrimp plantation . read more

I went there to purchase some nice glow tetras. I'm glad to see that they are busy considering. read more

Moanalua Pets - Glow Tetras - Pet Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This pet store has been here since I was a little kid. I can't believe it's still there. My husband and I just recently strolled in to see if they had any puppies. Upon entering the first thing I noticed was a fish tank that looked as if it hasn't been cleaned it a while. There was algae growing on the sides of the tank. I think that turned me off right from the start. My husband wanted to venture on and they had some turtles and mice and a good selection of fish but again not the cleanest of tanks. They have a good selection of pet food (dog, fish, cat, small animals) but no puppies. I don't think I would come back here because it just doesn't seem like they clean the tanks very well. There were a bunch of people looking at their fish selection though. read more

I can't help but get a sense that the people with negative reviews on customer service didn't come in with a good attitude. I've been to the shop a few times and have only ever received great service and friendly staff. After not being there for a couple years they still remembered me and my dog, gave her some treats, and helped me out quickly and efficiently, without making me feel rushed out the door. It can be crammed and a little chaotic feeling in there, but that's the nature of old-school fish shops. They carry everything you might need, and the products they have are very high quality and shockingly low prices. It's also nice to see a betta fish display with high quality stock and clean water. read more

Phenomenal service every time I shop here. Whenever I have questions about aquariums, they always provide me with extensive knowledge. On my last visit, I bought a few Seiryu rocks, and they were nice enough to bring giant stacks of their stock for me to see. Whenever I need help with my aquariums, I will go continue to go to Moanalua Pets! read more

If your a fish enthusiast, this is the place to go for the best fresh water and salt water fishes on Oahu, they do not carry your normal pet store fishes like Petco and PetSmart. If you're looking for those special types of fishes this is where to go, plus all the needs for those fishes Also if you're aquascaping your tanks then I suggest checking what this place has first read more

Wouldnt let me in without buying something. I was really mad. Couldn't even come in to look at the fish selection.

Small little mom and pops pet store with a large variety of pet supplies for any type of pet owner. The staff is always very helpful and knowledgeable. One day I needed alfalfa yay for my bunny so I called for a stick check. The young man who answered said yes I have one left. I told him I'd come by to pick it up. I went a few hours later to find that he had put it on the side for me so that it would be there for me to purchase. I didn't even ask him to do that for me! It was very thoughtful and much appreciated. My bunny was happy. Great pet store! read more

When I found out I could have pet fish at work, I impulsively bought a betta, though at another pet store. Inspired by my simple setup, I bought a larger tank for my home & this new tank needed a new fish. Moanalua Pets is conveniently located in Stadium Mall where taking a quick peek will satisfy your aquatic curiosity. Don't let the empty birdcages hoarding the storefront scare you away. You'd be impressed with it's exotic collection of freshwater & tropical fish like shark fish that resembled inch-long sharks & tiny puffers about half an inch. It's tempting to want all the coolest-looking fish. Alas, I came looking for a low maintenance betta. With a whole wall dedicated to bettas comprising of juveniles, females & king bettas, you've got choices to make, especially when koi bettas are in stock, how can you not buy one? The live plant selection is equally great, but it's random ones with each new shipment & nice-looking ones tend to sell out quickly so if you see something you like, don't wait to buy it. I once bought a plant because it looked like bananas. Java moss is also sold here, perfect for making underwater trees or growing a planted tank. This is the kind of place where you have to look for an employee & ask for help when you need it, but that's totally okay with me since I don't like to be bothered while browsing anyway. read more

Moanalua Pets - Plakat Betta - Pet Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

It's in the Stadium plaza so yeah parking is an issue if it's the weekend. But weekdays plenty of parking. It takes a lot for me to really downgrade a place this low - I mean, A LOT! I take a lot of factors in when judging a place to the ultimate bottom feeder ranks. And, based on a lot of those reality "Bar Rescue, Restaurant Rescue" type shows - customer service speaks for everything, and determines if you get your customer or not. Owner has placed a sign on the front door ghetto style (i.e. torn piece of paper) "NO STROLLERS ALLOWED", underlined at least 3 times with exclamation points. Another ghetto handwritten sign saying because 'it's for the ease of other customers.' So, I go in and politely ask the lady at the counter - excuse me, I noticed the sign - I have twins, and am really not able to carry them both in - would it be ok to just bring them in shortly and have them by this counter in their stroller just to check on some dog supplies? Her body stiffens up, she shook her head and rudely said NO, and promptly turned her back on me. Oh and doesn't offer a workable solution as to 'what type of dog stuff are you looking for? Maybe I can help work something out.' My take on this: Obviously she doesn't want the business, and doesn't care about getting potential new and loyal customers. You lose potential customers when you post a handwritten ghetto looking piece of paper saying that, AND by the poor attitude displayed when a customer is trying to tell you a purchase is wanted and asking ways to complete it. Will never step a foot in here, I don't care how close it is to me! I'd rather go further and pay higher prices than to accept customer service at such a mediocre level. If it helps any of you others out there - I looked 'em up under the BBB, not rated. read more

I don't want to waste my time writing a long review for this place because I only have one thing to say: dirty. I've been going to Moanalua Pets since I was a young girl; today, I returned for the first time in a few years. I was disgusted. There are cockroaches on the floor, the bird cages haven't been cleaned and there is feces in the water of the animals. While the customer service was pleasurable, the conditions of the shop are deteriorating. I'm all for shopping local, but not if it means supporting such treatment read more

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