The Maui Ocean Center
is one the most highly acclaimed Maui
attractions for families providing a terrific opportunity
to explore exhibits full of common ocean life surrounding
the island. The Maui Aquarium is continuously aiming to
promote a deeper understanding and respect for marine
life in Hawaii. Visitors can take an exploratory journey
through the incredible underwater world lying beyond the
islands beaches from the elaborate reefs brimming with
fascinating creatures from the beryl expanse of open ocean
water.
Every last living being encountered in the Maui Ocean
Center is native to the islands of Maui, Oahu,
Kauai and Big
Island fostering a more in depth understanding of
marine life visitors may encounter during Maui
snorkeling or diving. A large variety of fish, coral,
marine plants, large sea animals and more exemplify the
underwater environment of one of the rarest aquatic landscapes,
and biggest Maui tourist
attractions, in the world.
Beginning at the Surge Zone visitors gain an understanding of how juvenile fish and other aquatic species take cover in the crashing waves of the ocean. The Living Reef features amazing, vibrant living reefs, and the marine life that typically feed off them, blanketing the intricate underwater architecture. Green sea turtles are always a hit with visitors and many opt for Maui tours that reveal nesting areas and protection programs. At the Maui Aquarium the Turtle Lagoon is a major draw for all ages and the perfect place to watch the turtles languid movements in a natural environment. Hammerhead Harbor features one of Hawaii’s curiosities, the scalloped hammerhead shark, and offers a rare opportunity for a face to face meeting.
The other exhibits in the Maui Ocean Center include the Tide Pool and the Marine Mammal Discovery Center. Hawaiians and the Sea explains the complex and close relationship native Hawaiians have with the ocean through displays and exhibits. The Open Ocean is one of the biggest crowd-pleasers inside the Maui aquarium and offers a massive, action packed tank full of magnificent sharks, hundreds of fish and kingly rays. When it’s time for lunch or dinner the Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant is an exciting place to try some island favorites while surrounded by Maui Aquarium tanks full of lively sea life.
The Maui Ocean Center is open every day of the year from 6:00am to 5:00pm with hours extended until 6:00pm in July and August. Tickets are reasonably priced and can be purchased online or directly from the aquarium. If you head to the aquarium in the morning you can visit other Maui tourist attractions in the afternoon or vice versa, though the aquarium tends to be more crowded in the afternoon.
The old whaling town of Lahaina is nearby and offers
lots of things to do for young and old alike. Kaanapali
Beach is a great spot for an afternoon swim where
kids can put their newly acquired aquarium knowledge to
the test. Central Maui is also an interesting place to
visit yet often gets skipped over in favor of the coastal
areas. Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center in central Maui is great
for a shopping excursion or head to the ancient Hawaiian
temples near Wailuku. From Wailuku nearby Maui tourist
attractions include the Iao
Valley State Park where you can take a nature hike
through the valley and see the Iao Needle. With so many
great attractions on the west coast it’s easy to
make extend a trip to the Maui Ocean Center an entire
day’s outing.
