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Usitour
Museum

Maui Ocean Center

📍 192 Maalaea Rd, Maalaea, HI, USA
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3.8/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Maui
Category
Museum
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
192 Maalaea Rd, Maalaea, HI, USA
Coordinates
20.8000, -156.5000

Introduction

The Maui Ocean Center, located at Maalaea Harbor on West Maui, is known as 'The Aquarium of Hawaii.' Opened in 1998, this three-acre marine park is an excellent place to explore the Pacific Ocean ecosystem. The center's most striking feature is the massive cylindrical exhibit displaying living coral reefs and hundreds of Hawaiian reef fish species, allowing visitors 360-degree views of this vibrant underwater world. The facility also includes dedicated shark exhibits, sea turtle habitats, and marine mammal displays, offering close-up encounters with these awe-inspiring ocean creatures. Beyond indoor exhibits, the center offers naturalist-led tours, shark dive experiences, and behind-the-scenes programs. As Hawaii's premier marine education center, it showcases not only the beauty of marine life but also promotes ocean conservation awareness.

✨ Highlights

1
Giant Coral Reef Exhibit
360-degree cylindrical tank with living corals and hundreds of Hawaiian fish species
2
Shark Close-Ups
Dedicated shark exhibits for observing Pacific shark species up close
3
Sea Turtle Conservation
Hawaiian green turtle habitat showcasing endangered species protection
4
Marine Education
Naturalist-led tours and interactive programs about Pacific marine ecology
5
Dive Experiences
Shark dive and special encounters for close marine life interaction
6
Hawaiian Ocean Culture
Displays on Native Hawaiian connections to the ocean and traditional navigation

🛈 Practical Info

→Address：192 Maalaea Wharf Road, Wailuku, HI 96793
→Duration：2-3 hours for full visit; more time needed for special activities
→Best Time：Opening time is least crowded; avoid midday tour bus peak
→Opening Hours：Daily 9:00am-5:00pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
→Ticket Information：Adult $29.95, Senior(65+) $27.95, Teen(13-17) $24.95, Child(3-12) $19.95
→Transportation：Bus from Lahaina and Kihei; free parking for self-driving

💡 Tips

• Some exhibits are outdoors; Hawaii sun is strong, bring sunscreen
• Shark dives and special experiences require advance booking
• Maalaea Harbor is a whale watching departure point in winter season
• Multiple interactive exhibits are great for kids; allow plenty of time

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Maui Ocean Center?

Daily 9:00am-5:00pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)

How much is the admission for Maui Ocean Center?

Adult $29.95, Senior(65+) $27.95, Teen(13-17) $24.95, Child(3-12) $19.95

Any practical tips for visiting Maui Ocean Center?

Some exhibits are outdoors; Hawaii sun is strong, bring sunscreen Shark dives and special experiences require advance booking

How long should I spend at Maui Ocean Center?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.