Visit Maui: Maui Ocean Center

It's been well over a decade since I've been to the Maui Ocean Center, and since then, the "Aquarium of Hawai‘i" has opened up new exhibits and initiatives that continue to shine the spotlight not only on ocean life, but also on Hawai‘i and how the ocean is critical to all life - including to humans.

We were very fortunate to have been hosted by Maui Ocean Center and go on the Behind the Scenes Tour, where we learned about the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, which helps to rehabilitate turtles and restore coral reefs.  

We got to see the coral nursery, feed coral, feed young sharks, and even food turtles!

Our guide, Izabelle, was awesome and sure taught us a lot!

The Behind the Scenes Tour is one of several tours you can book for an additional fee. 

Of course, even without an added tour there is still so much to see and learn at the Maui Ocean Center.

The Open Ocean is my personal favorite exhibit.  It features an underwater tunnel, so you get a great view of sharks and more swimming above and next to you.  

I also love how they really incorporate Hawaiian tradition and stories into the displays. There is also a Kaho‘olawe: History and Healing Exhibit that is well worth the time to peruse. ​

Aquariums are always fascinating - you get to see sea creatures that most don't encounter on a daily basis.  

What really impressed me with Maui Ocean Center is the abundance of local fish that were on exhibit.  It's a great place for keiki to learn about common fish that are eaten in Hawai‘i, like menpachi, moi, kala, and taape.

The Maui Ocean Center is a fantastic place for visitors of all ages to not only learn about sea life, but to also learn more about Hawai‘i! 

Maui Ocean Center
192 Maalaea Rd

Wailuku, HI 96793