Working to Sustain Hawai’i’s Marine Life
Since its opening in 1998, Maui Ocean Center has been dedicated to protecting Hawai‘i’s incredible marine life. We provide unique encounters with extraordinary ocean creatures, many of which can only be found here in Hawai‘i. Our facility is home to one of the world’s largest collections of live Pacific corals. Through our exhibits and educational programs, we aim to inspire both residents and visitors to develop a deeper appreciation for our surrounding ocean and local culture.
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$40 USD
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All ages
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Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
Experience Maui Ocean Center Tour Features
The Living Reef Exhibit
The exhibit features a spacious tank with around 18,000 gallons of saltwater, meticulously designed to replicate the natural conditions of a coral reef. Often called the “rainforests of the sea” due to their remarkable biodiversity and vital role in marine ecosystems, coral reefs are showcased in the Living Reef exhibit. Here, you can see various coral formations, including branching corals, brain corals, and fan corals, each showcasing its own distinct shape, color, and texture. These corals create a habitat for numerous fish species that dart in and out of the nooks and crevices, offering a captivating display of movement and color.
Hawai’i’s Special Relationship With Sharks
You will learn that many Hawai’ian families share a deep connection with sharks, viewing them as ʻaumākua—ancestral guides who watch over them from the spiritual realm. ʻAumākua can take the form of sharks and other animals, signs from nature, or even inanimate objects. They protect Hawai’ian families from harm and convey messages to the living. In return, those with an ʻaumākua are committed to caring for and safeguarding them. This mutual respect is why sharks hold a revered place in Hawaiian culture.
Shark Dive Maui
For the adventure seeker, operating Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 2:30 – 5:30pm, Shark Dive Maui® offers more than just an exhilarating experience to check off your bucket list—it’s a chance to understand the deep connection between the ocean's top predators and the native people of Hawaiʻi. During this cage-free dive in our expansive 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit, everything you thought you knew about sharks will shift, fostering a profound respect and a desire to protect these magnificent creatures.
Experience Maui Ocean Center Tour Details
Highlights
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Daily Presentations
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Learn From Expert Staff
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Multiple Tour Options
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Perfect for Families
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Behind-the-scenes Tour
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Underwater Tunnel
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3-D Sphere Experience
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Learn Hawai’ian History and Culture
Description
Since its opening in 1998, Maui Ocean Center has been committed to safeguarding Hawai‘i’s remarkable marine life. We provide unique encounters with incredible ocean creatures, many of which are found only in Hawai‘i. Our center is home to one of the world’s largest collections of live Pacific corals. Through our exhibits and educational programs, we aim to inspire both residents and visitors to cultivate a deeper appreciation for our ocean and local culture.
Choose from several program options, like a behind-the-scenes tour or Shark Dive Maui. We even offer a unique experience through the Hawaiian Culture & Botanical Plant Tour, showcasing native flora and fauna throughout the aquarium. A knowledgeable naturalist guides this 90-minute tour. Participants will explore the ecological and cultural connections between land and ocean in Hawaiian culture, as highlighted by the Kumulipo creation chant.
Price & Availability
Maui Ocean Center Aquarium Admission
AdultAges 13-64 yrs | $40.00 |
ChildAges 4-12 yrs | $30.00 |
SeniorsAges 65 yrs+ | $35.00 |
ChildAges Under 4 | FREE |
Itinerary
You can catch presentations daily at locations throughout the aquarium. Our marine naturalists offer information, insights, and some fascinating stories about the animals you’ll see here.
Presentation Schedule:*
- Shallow Reef: 9:30, 10:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30
- Blacktip Sharks: 10:15, 12:00, 3:15
- Open Ocean: 11:00 (with Diver presentation), 3:00
*We exhibit marine animals in realistic, natural environments and feed them according to their needs; therefore, regularly scheduled feedings are not guaranteed, and presentations may be canceled without notice.
Cancellation
Tickets are non-refundable, but can be upgraded to refundable for a small fee per ticket. We recognize any number of events could change your plans for the day. Tickets covered by this fee will receive a full refund (less per ticket upgrade fee) no questions asked.