Exploring the Magical Marine Life at the Maui Ocean Center

Exploring the Magical Marine Life at the Maui Ocean Center

What to Expect

The Maui Ocean Center is one of Hawaii’s top attractions, allowing visitors to discover the incredible marine life found in the waters surrounding Maui. As the largest aquarium in the state, it showcases over 60 exhibits of Hawaii’s diverse aquatic animals.

From the moment you enter the Open Ocean exhibit, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sea. This 750,000 gallon exhibit features replica coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles. It’s designed to make you feel like you’re snorkeling amongst the swaying motion of the ocean, complete with waves and natural sunlight.

Exhibits

One of the most popular exhibits is the Living Reef. This thriving coral reef ecosystem houses moray eels, tangs, triggerfish, and many more aquatic species. The center cultivates live coral onsite through coral farming initiatives aimed at reef conservation. Guests can get up close to the coral and vibrant reef fish via the walk-through acrylic tunnel.

No visit to the Maui Ocean Center is complete without attending one of their marine life shows and feedings. At the Tide Pool, you can touch sea stars, urchins, and other tide pool creatures. The Turtle Lagoon offers above and underwater viewing of endangered honu (green sea turtles). And the Shark Dive Maui program allows certified SCUBA divers to plunge into the Open Ocean exhibit for a thrilling face-to-face encounter with sharks and large game fish.

The center also has exhibits honoring Hawaii’s cultural heritage, like “Hawaiians & the Sea” which uses artifacts and artwork to illustrate ancient islanders’ profound ocean knowledge and sustainable fishing methods. The “Kaho‘olawe” exhibit traces the island’s history and ongoing restoration, conveying the potential for positive environmental change.

Another activity at the Maui Ocean Center is the Humpbacks of Hawaii 3D movie located in the Sphere theater that shows unique seasonal footage of the whales.

From native Hawaiian monk seals to bizarre looking frogfish, the Maui Ocean Center brings the magic of the sea to land. It’s an interactive way to discover Hawaii’s 100,000 different marine species, while learning about ongoing conservation efforts to preserve fragile ocean habitats for generations to come.

Tip

Combine a visit to the Maui Ocean Center with a day-trip to Lāna‘i and a visit at the Cat Sanctuary.  Read more about the Maui Ocean Center and Top Ten TripAdvisor Award.

Important Details

Location: Maui Ocean Center, 192 Ma’alaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
Operating Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Restaurant: Seascape Restaurant serving the freshest and most sustainable seafood available.
Café: Reef Café serving sandwiches, snacks, pizza and salads.
Photo Credit to Maui Ocean Center

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