Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Aquarium · Kahului, Hawaii
Maui Ocean Center
The Māʻalaea aquarium on the southwest coast of Maui, dedicated to Hawaiian marine life, with a living coral reef, green sea turtles, a glass tunnel through the open-ocean tank, and a 3D exhibit about humpback whales.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center opened in 1998 in Māʻalaea, on the shore of the bay of the same name. It displays only Hawaiian marine life, with species that live on the reefs, in the open ocean and in the deep waters around the islands, and explains Hawaiians’ relationship with the ocean and voyaging.
The visit begins at the Living Reef, with dozens of species of living Hawaiian corals and the colorful reef fish. An outdoor area houses green sea turtles, called honu, and there is a shallow touch tank where visitors can touch animals like starfish and sea cucumbers under staff supervision.
The largest tank, the open-ocean exhibit, contains sharks, rays and schools of pelagic fish, and is crossed by a glass tunnel through which visitors walk with the animals all around. A dome-shaped theater shows an immersive film about the humpback whales that spend the winter in Hawaii.
The aquarium is near Māʻalaea Harbor, where boats depart for Molokini and for whale-watching trips.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
In the morning, to see animals being fed and to avoid crowds. It’s a good option on rainy days or when strong coastal winds make outdoor plans difficult.
How to get there
In Māʻalaea, about 15 km from Kahului and roughly a 20-minute drive from Kīhei and Wailea. On-site parking is available. Admission is paid; check the current price list on the aquarium’s website.
Tip
Combine the visit with a boat trip that departs from Māʻalaea Harbor next door. Check posted times at the entrance for dome showings and animal feedings.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Maui Ocean Center
What does the Maui Ocean Center have?
A living coral reef, green sea turtles, a touch tank, a glass tunnel through the open-ocean tank, and a dome film about humpback whales.
Where is the Maui Ocean Center?
In Māʻalaea, about 15 km from Kahului, near the harbor where boats depart for Molokini.
Is the Maui Ocean Center suitable for children?
Yes. The touch tank, the turtles and the glass tunnel usually appeal to children.