A semiconductor light emitting device includes a structural body, a first electrode layer, an intermediate layer and a second electrode layer. The structural body includes a first semiconductor layer of first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of second conductivity type, and a light emitting layer between the first and second semiconductor layers. The first electrode layer is on a side of the second semiconductor layer opposite to the first semiconductor layer; the first electrode layer includes a metal portion and plural opening portions piercing the metal portion along a direction from the first semiconductor layer toward the second semiconductor layer, having an equivalent circular diameter not less than 10 nanometers and not more than 5 micrometers. The intermediate layer is between the first and second semiconductor layers in ohmic contact with the second semiconductor layer. The second electrode layer is electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer.