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 feed 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

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Visit Maui: Discover New Exhibits at the Maui Ocean Center

Touching sea creatures in the tide pool is a perfect way for little ones to learn.

It's been a minute since my family visited the Maui Ocean Center. In fact, I wrote a post here from 2015! Earlier this month, I attended a media visit to the Maui Ocean Center to see all the updates and changes they have made in the recent years.

The Maui Ocean Center is so much more than an aquarium. In addition to the many amazing ocean life exhibits, they also offer cultural practitioner presentations and storytelling including iʻa (fish) net weaving, traditional Hawaiian mea hana (tools), niu (coconut) weaving, wood kālai (carving), lei making, hula, and more. They currently have two ongoing Hawaiian cultural exhibits: Hawaiians and the Sea exhibit and the Kahoʻolawe exhibit. 

Also new to the ocean center is the the Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi Exhibit & Sphere.  The sphere is the first-of-its-kind in Hawai‘i, offering a 3D experience that allows guests to connect with humpbacks in their world by integrating 4k imagery and a 7.1 surround sound system. Definitely do not miss this experience included with your admission. 

The center also offers additional experiences like a 90-minute Hawaiian Culture & Plant Tour led by a dedicated naturalist showcasing the ecological and cultural connections between land and ocean in Hawaiian culture and an after hours yoga class called Aquari-OM.  

The Hawaiian Culture & Plant Tour is a multi-sensory experience.

The tour includes a  hands-on experiences with kalo (taro root)

The Aquari-OM yoga class was unique and fun!

Don't miss out on one of the best views of Māʻalaea Harbor at Seascape restaurant where they serve daily fresh-caught fish from the very same harbor. The restaurant prides itself on sustainable dining and is a Platinum Certified “Ocean Friendly Restaurant” which means every dish they serve is environmentally friendly. The menu is crafted by award-winning Executive Chef Enrique “Henry” Tariga.  

Kalo Poke Nachos

I'a Chef's Fish Poke Bowl 

What was most impressive to me in this visit is that I learned about the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, a non-profit, and its commitment to coral reef restoration and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. The institute operates one of only four land-based coral nurseries in the US and also rehabilitates sick and injured sea turtles in Hawaiʻi. 

Truly, my recent visit to the Maui Ocean Center was eye-opening and gave me a new appreciation for Hawaii's surrounding sea and local culture. It was such a unique experience and definitely a must-visit in Maui.

Maui Ocean Center

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