Maui Ocean Center
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The Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium and marine science center located in Maalaea, Hawaii on the island of Maui. Opened on March 18, 1998 by Coral World International, the three acre (12,000 m²) facility is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It includes exhibits on coral reef habitats, sea turtles, sharks, and humpback whales, among others.
Attracting over 400,000 visitors annually, the Maui Ocean Center is one of Maui’s most popular attractions. Visitors to the aquarium go on a journey through a sea of life at this state-of-the-art marine park. The beauty and wonder of Hawaii’s underwater world come to life in this three-acre facility, conveniently located at Maalaea Harbor. All of the exhibits at Maui Ocean Center present living animals in habitats that faithfully replicate their natural environment beneath the sea. While at times it might seem incredible, the colors of the fishes, corals, sponges and other fabulous marine creatures are absolutely natural!
Through years of research and meticulous care, Maui Ocean Center has gathered the best and most unique collection of Hawai‘i’s marine life. As a result, what would take weeks, if not a lifetime to explore in the wild, can easily be seen in a leisurely stroll through the facility in one day. For visitors, this aquatic experience is both educational and breathtaking as they encounter hundreds of species, many of which are only found in Hawaii.
Over 60 exhibits and hands-on activities will delight children and adults alike. The 54-foot long acrylic tunnel takes visitors inside the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean Exhibit so they can come eye to eye with numerous reef sharks, stingrays, and thousands of tropical reef fish. Playful green sea turtles, mystical moon jellies and elusive octopus are just some of the marine animals that one will encounter on a trip to Maui Ocean Center. In addition to extensive narrative signs and optional audio guides, Ocean Naturalists give presentations throughout the day and answer any questions that guests may have. These personal encounters with nature are designed to help visitors develop an understanding and appreciation of the unique nature of Hawai‘i’s marine environment in an enjoyable and safe setting.
All the animals displayed at the Maui Ocean Center are collected exclusively from waters around the Hawaiian Islands. All collecting is conducted under strict, government permits and the animals are featured and cared for with integrity. The green sea turtles, for example, are part of a hatch-and-release program. They are given a strong head start and eventually will be returned to the wild. Many of the rays and sharks are rotated from the aquarium to the ocean. And when a shark is brought into or released from the aquarium, it is blessed by one of Maui Ocean Center’s Hawaiian cultural advisors, for sharks are considered na ‘aumakua (deified ancestors or personal gods) by old Hawaiians.
Dedicated to perpetuating the island’s host culture, Maui Ocean Center’s exhibits and tours also showcase the language, myths and history of the Hawaiian Islands in an entertaining and educational format.
For visitors who like to plunge into their activities head-first, the aquarium’s Shark Dive Maui program allows certified divers to descend into the Open Ocean Exhibit to experience the marine life up-close. Surrounded by over twenty sharks, half a dozen stingrays, and one very curious spotted eagle ray, divers will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and their entire family will be able to watch the dive from start to finish! In addition to shark and ray biology, the dive program highlights the close spiritual connection between the Hawaiian culture and the ocean, especially the spiritual importance of sharks as ‘aumakua.
An average visit to the Hawaiian Aquarium lasts approximately two hours, but most visitors stay longer to absorb the breathtaking views, linger over lunch at the aquarium’s restaurant or open-air café, or to immerse themselves in the Maui Ocean Center Store, a veritable treasure trove of ocean- and island-inspired jewelry, art, clothing, toys, gifts, books and logo items.
