Discover the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere at the Maui Ocean Center! Unlock a magical underwater world at this 20-million dollar facility. Engage your senses with touch, exploration & understanding of Hawaii's more than 2,000 fish!
Your visit will be a journey of discovery through the extraordinary underwater world that lies beyond Hawaii's surf-ringed shores - from the complex beauty of the Living Reef, to the vast, blue realm of the Open Ocean.
All of the marine life you will encounter is alive and native to Hawaii: the coral, the fish, the plant life - everything. The Ocean Center seeks to portray the integrity of these animals & their native habitats in order to help you develop a deeper understanding of Hawaii's seas - one of the most unique aquatic environments on Earth. To enhance your experience, trained Ocean Naturalists share their insights through presentations at the Living Reef, Turtle Lagoon, Hammerhead Harbor, Discovery Pool and the Open Ocean.
Exhibits:
The Living Reef
Discover how Hawaii's isolation – more than 2,000 miles from any continent – has produced a unique assemblage of marine life unequaled on Earth!
Turtle Lagoon
The most common sea turtle in Hawaii is the honu, or green turtle, which is named for the color of its body fat. The outdoor exhibit, "Turtle Lagoon," allows a close-up view of these marine reptiles from both above and below the water's surface.
The Discovery Pool
Constructed as an ocean rock pool, the Discovery Pool holds a variety of harmless marine animals, including sea stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. You are welcome to touch and handle many of the inhabitants in this display.
Sting Ray Cove
Home to stingrays, eagle rays and occasionally juvenile hammerhead sharks. Because it's rare that rays spend much time near the water's surface, this large outdoor pool is shaded to protect their sensitive eyes.
The Open Ocean
In our "Underwater Journey" exhibit, predators and prey co-exist in a 750,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, the largest in the state. Stroll through a long clear tunnel, which provides a 240-degree view of nearly 2,000 fish!