If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day indoors on Maui while still experiencing the beauty of the island, Maui Ocean Center is the way to go.
Taking only animals found in local waters, “The Hawaiian Aquarium” showcases a wide variety of underwater life, including sea turtles, sea jellies, endemic tropical fish, rays, eels, seahorses, and even a giant shark tank where certified scuba divers can get up close and personal with some of the most majestic (and intimidating) animals in the ocean.
Maui Ocean Center is committed to providing a unique and memorable experience for all their visitors and provide daily complimentary naturalists presentations in order to ensure you get the most out of your visit. They are open 365 days a year, so whether you need a break from the sun or rain, Maui Ocean Center is a wonderful way to learn about life under the surface on Maui.
Our Favorite Things To See
• Jelly Fish Tank
Nothing much is more mesmerizing than the moon jelly tank. In almost complete darkness, the cylindrical tank reaches from the floor to the ceiling and is lit up by nothing more than many graceful jellyfish. We could watch this for hours.
• Interactive Exhibits
It doesn’t matter how often we go, we always learn something new. The interactive exhibits make the information more fun, and the kids LOVE it.
• Tide Pools
It’s one thing to watch marine life, but with the tide pools, you are allowed to touch starfish.
• Submarine
They have an actual submersible on the premise. It definitely gives you a feel for how cramped and vulnerable the earlier ocean explorers must have felt.
• Shark Tank and Tunnel
Of course, the main attraction is their massive tank with sharks, rays, and plenty of fish. If you go at the right time, you’ll see scuba divers feeding fish and sharks. Each day they even speak to the observers and answer questions via a special intercom system in their suits.
Visit the Maui Ocean Center Store for high-quality goods and dine at the Seascape restaurant on site (and yes, the food matches the view!)
Open 365 days a year with daily, weekly and yearly passes available; conveniently located in Ma’alaea Harbor.