Picture with parrots

Question

We are arriving on a cruise ship and are wondering where can we go to get our picture taken with parrots. I saw someone posted a picture with parrots at the Aloha swap meet. We will be there on a Wednesday. Thanks!!

Answer

Good question. There *are* a few known areas on Oʻahu where tourists in the past have had photos taken with parrots — but you should go in with your eyes open: it’s a little hit-or-miss, occasionally depends on staffing or the vendor’s willingness, and it’s not necessarily a “guaranteed” attraction. That said — here’s where you could try if you want to get a parrot-photo while on your cruise stop in Honolulu (especially on a Wednesday).

Where you might find parrots for photos in Honolulu / Waikīkī

— Swap Meet: This open-air market is indeed held on Wednesdays (as well as Saturdays and Sundays). Some past travellers reported seeing people with parrots there for photos, which is presumably where you saw that mention. If you go, arrive early (market opens 8:00 AM) so you have the best chance of seeing whoever may have birds that day — and ideally bring cash (some stalls/vendors at the market are cash only).
/ informal street-/beachfront vendors in Waikīkī: There are local “street-vendors” (or beach-path vendors) who — on an irregular basis — bring exotic birds (including parrots) to popular tourist zones (like the main walkways of Waikīkī) and offer photos for a small fee. Several longtime visitors say that’s your best bet rather than relying on the Swap Meet listing.

What to keep in mind — pros and cons, and cautions

Parrots (or exotic birds) are not native to Hawaiʻi — they are almost always part of a private or semi-commercial setup (i.e. owned by “vendors,” not a zoo or government-run attraction).
Because of that, encounters may vary day-to-day: there’s no fixed “parrot photo shop” with guaranteed availability. Some days you might find birds, other days not. Many reviewers call it “tourist trap” behavior — meaning you should expect to pay (or tip) for the photos, and plan accordingly.
If you want a more reliable or animal-welfare–oriented experience (especially for children), you might instead consider a location like a zoo or sanctuary — although public institutions on Oʻahu tend to focus more on native species or marine life than exotic parrots. For example, general attractions like the or the (near Oʻahu’s wind-and-waves-side) may offer safer, more regulated animal encounters — though I’m not aware Sea Life Park routinely offers parrot-on-shoulder photos.

Given your cruise-ship schedule and that you’ll be on Oʻahu on a Wednesday — here’s what I’d do if I were you

Plan to visit the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet early in the morning not long after it opens (~8:00 AM). This gives you a chance to see vendors before things get busy, and if there *is* someone offering parrot-photos, you’ll have time to fit it in.
If you don’t find parrots at the Swap Meet (or don’t want to deal with uncertain vendor setups), head to Waikīkī and stroll along the main beachfront / Kalākaua Avenue area. Keep an eye out for informal “bird-photo vendors” — locals often position themselves where tourists walk.
Bring small cash (e.g. a few dollars or small bills) — vendors typically expect cash "tips" rather than credit-card payment.
Ask politely before touching or holding any bird — exotic birds are sometimes stressed by handling, and good vendors will welcome a gentle approach.
Set realistic expectations: the parrot-photo experience is more a spontaneous tourist-culture phenomenon than a formal attraction. It may or may not work out depending on timing, staffing, and vendor presence that day.

My take — what is most likely to work

If I were arriving on a cruise and wanted a fun photo with parrots — I’d aim first for the Swap Meet (because it’s the one place that has been mentioned by travellers in relation to that). If that doesn’t pan out, I’d wander Waikīkī beachfront and see if I find the “bird-guy” kind of vendor. I’d treat it as a “bonus if it happens” rather than a core part of the itinerary.