Any visitor to Maui must visit the incredible Maui Ocean Center, the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. This world-class facility covers three-acres in Ma’alaea, Maui and has a variety of fascinating displays including: a walk-through tunnel, an interactive Whale Discovery Center, Turtle Lagoon and living reef exhibits.
The Maui Ocean Center is a world-class aquarium and attracts over 400,000 visitors a year. It’s definitely one of Maui’s top attractions. The ultimate aquarium experience resides at Ma’alaea Harbor, overlooking the calving and breeding grounds of wintering and majestic humpback whales.
The Maui Ocean Center offers over 60 exhibits and hands-on activities. Through indoor and outdoor exhibits, plus around 40 marine tanks, take a journey from the water’s surface to the ocean depths below. You will view the best and most unique collection of marine life from all around the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.
The ultimate display is titled, Open Ocean. Visitors get “face-to-fin” with sharks (tiger, hammerhead …) and nearly 2,000 deep ocean fish like the Mahi Mahi and spotted eagle rays. You’ll be in awe over the massive 750,000 gallon saltwater aquarium.
For an extraordinary experience, walk through a 54 foot long acrylic tunnel, which is Hawaii’s largest. The tunnel offers awesome 240 degree views that you will never forget.
From the surface, exhibits include the surging wave tidal pool – Turtle Lagoon, where amphibians sun and swim in their own habitat. The Tide Pool harbors a variety of thriving sea stars, sponges, anemones and mollusks. With supervision from knowledgeable personnel, you can even pet and hold various sea creatures.
The Whale Discovery Center in the Marine Mammal Discovery Center showcases a life-size model of a humpback whale calf, including several interactive displays. Also learn about dolphins and monk seals.
Each section of the Maui Ocean Center reveals a fascinating story about Hawaii’s exceptional sea creatures, including their strange defense mechanisms, unusual mating habitats and integrated ties to Hawaiian mythology.
If you are an avid and experienced lover of the ocean, the Maui Ocean Center is for you. SCUBA divers can book a reservation to experience a rare opportunity to directly interact with reef sharks, stingrays and hundreds of other tropical marine life in the 750,000 gallon – Open Ocean exhibit. This activity is only available for certified divers. Contact the COS directly for program details.
Due to the international flavor of visitors to Hawaii, the Maui Ocean Center offers hand-held, digital audio guides which
You can enjoy eating at one of the Maui Ocean Center’s two restaurants including: Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant, Reef Cafe and Coffee Cart, and
Before you leave, be sure to stop at the Maui Ocean Center Store and browse around 6,000 square feet of unique souvenirs, instructional products, art, jewelery, music, toys and clothing.
The Maui Ocean Center has won numerous awards for its top notch facility, including being named the top attraction in Hawaii by the Zagat Survey U.S. Family Travel Guide. Other awards include the “Leader in Responsible Tourism” on the “Top 100 Blue List by Islands Magazine” and “Best Land Activity” in The Best of Maui by the readers of The Maui News.
Maui Ocean Center
192 Ma’alaea Road
Ma’alaea, Maui HI 96763
808-270-7000
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