Things to do nearMaui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii
Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii, in Wailuku, Hawaii, offers an immersive window into Pacific marine life, coral ecosystems, and the cultural connections between Hawaiians and the sea.
Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii opened in 1998 and has grown into one of the most respected marine attractions in the United States, with a particular focus on the endemic and native species of Hawaii's surrounding Pacific waters. The facility is organized around a series of interconnected habitats, beginning with shallow reef tanks teeming with surgeonfish, triggerfish, and brilliant wrasse, and progressing into the centerpiece of the experience, a 750,000-gallon open ocean tank that visitors walk through via an acrylic tunnel. Inside that tunnel, hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and schools of trevally move in slow arcs overhead, creating one of the most memorable wildlife encounters available on the island.
The aquarium's Hawaiian cultural programming sets it apart from comparable institutions, with exhibits explaining the traditional Hawaiian concept of mālama, or stewardship of the natural world, and the historical relationship between the islands' people and the ocean as a source of food, navigation, and spiritual meaning.
Jellyfish galleries, a sea turtle habitat, and touch pools designed for younger visitors round out the indoor experience. The on-site restaurant offers views of Maalaea Bay and serves food that reflects the local setting. For anyone spending time on Maui, the aquarium provides a thoughtful and visually striking way to understand the marine environment surrounding the island.
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Chance of rainTips for visiting Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii
Visit during the morning hours when the aquarium opens to enjoy the galleries before tour groups arrive and the light through the tanks is at its clearest.
Try to time your visit around a scheduled feeding or dive presentation, as staff narrate the behavior of sharks, rays, and reef fish up close.
Bring a light layer, as the interior galleries are air-conditioned and can feel cool compared to the warm Maui afternoon outside.
Walk the outdoor tide pool area slowly and look for native Hawaiian sea urchins and small reef fish that are easy to overlook on a quick pass.
Pair your visit with a stop at Maalaea Harbor Village nearby, where you can watch fishing boats come in and pick up a casual meal with harbor views.
Top tours & experiences near Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii
Whale Watching Cruise in Maui with Lunch
Experience an unforgettable whale watching journey aboard the Ocean Spirit, Maui’s premier eco-friendly sailing catamaran.
Maui Sunset Cruise with Open Bar & Hula Dance
Savor a fresh island feast, open bar, and live Polynesian dance while gliding past Maui’s sunset scenery
Drive an 8-Hour Slingshot Rental on Maui’s North Loop
Cruise Maui’s North Loop with built-in navigation on an 8-hour Slingshot rental
2-Hour Maui Whale Watching Cruise From Ma'alaea
Ride a high-speed catamaran and listen for whale songs
Adult Sunset Whale Watch Sail
Enjoy premium appetizers and whale facts while spotting humpbacks at sunset
Whale Researcher-Themed Whale Watch in Ma'alaea
Join a small-group whale watch with a Certified Marine Naturalist in Ma’alaea
Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel Cruise From Ma'alaea
Snorkel Molokini Crater and Turtle Arches with onboard breakfast and BBQ lunch
Small-Group Whale Watching Cruise From Ma'alaea
Cruise Ma'alaea Harbor with marine naturalists and listen for humpback whale songs
Ma'alaea Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Enjoy Maui sunset with appetizers, drinks, and naturalist-led whale watching in season
Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch in Maui
Cruise Maui’s coast at sunset with a tableside dinner and humpback whale focus
Sunset Whale Watch Sail in Ma'alaea
Sail at sunset with whale watching and pupu appetizers from Maʻalaea Harbor
Ma'alaea Whale Watching With Marine Naturalists
Spot humpback whales with expert narration on a 2-hour ecotour
Snorkel Coral Gardens Morning Cruise From Maui
Snorkel Coral Gardens on a morning Quicksilver cruise with lunch and water slide
Maui Whale Watch Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor
See humpback whales from a stable catamaran with expert narration and hydrophone audio
Ma'alaea Harbor Sunset Dinner Cruise on Quicksilver
Savor a three-course dinner and sunset views with live music aboard a double-deck catamaran
Midday Whale Watching Sail From Mā'alaea Harbor
Sail from Mā'alaea Harbor and watch for humpback whales
Snorkel & Sail Molokini Crater From Maui
Sail to Molokini for a morning snorkel with breakfast, lunch, and an open bar
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Savor a chef-prepared four-course dinner with a private table as you cruise Maui’s coast at sunset
Ocean Spirit Adult Sunset Sail
Sail into the sunset on an adults-only catamaran cruise with pupus and island-style music
Snorkel & Sunset Sail Cruise in Maui
Snorkel a reef, then sail into a Maui sunset with appetizers and a bring-your-own-drinks cooler
Sunset Sailing Cruise From Ma'alaea
Sail into the evening with pupus, island-style music, and sunset views
3-Hour Dolphin Watch Cruise From Maalaea Harbor
Search for Hawaiian dolphins with certified marine naturalists on a 3-hour morning cruise
Reef Shark Snorkel Tour in Maui
Snorkel Maui reefs with reef shark focus and included photos
2-Hour Maui Sunset Sail
Sail into a Maui sunset with drinks and hors d'oeuvres included
Private Snorkel & Sail Charter in Maui
Private snorkel gear and instruction, plus a sail along Maui’s coastline