Maui Ocean Center (Edward Jones - Fall) 

Discover the wonders of the Hawaiian ocean at the Maui Ocean Center, where you can immerse yourself in the colorful and diverse marine life that is unique to this island paradise. Explore the exhibits that highlight the different habitats and ecosystems of the ocean, such as The Living Reef, Turtle Lagoon, Nursery Bay, Marine Mammal Discovery Center, and Hawaiians and the Sea.

You can also experience the thrill of walking through a 54-foot-long tunnel that brings you face to face with sharks and stingrays in the Open Ocean exhibit. The Maui Ocean Center is not only the #1 Aquarium by Hawaii Magazine and a TripAdvisor Hall of Fame member, but also a stunning attraction that blends indoor and outdoor spaces with native plants and views of Ma‘alaea Harbor. Here, you can marvel at one of the world’s largest collections of live Pacific corals, as well as sea turtles and tropical fish. You can also learn from the experts who will share their knowledge and passion for the ocean and the Hawaiian culture, with hands-on demonstrations, music, and hula.

3D Sphere Theater

Maui Ocean Center’s 3D Sphere Theater breaks the deep-sea barrier and brings you eye-to-eye with Maui’s humpback whales in their realm beneath the waves. Explore the kingdom of these incredible ocean mammals in our 3D Sphere experience. Join us at one of Maui’s best attractions: the Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & Sphere. The Sphere is open daily, with shows running every half hour. No reservations are required.

Explore their world and learn their secrets. Discover the dynamic life, journeys, and social bonds of these intelligent and spiritual creatures under the sea in the first-of-its-kind 3D Sphere, only at Maui Ocean Center. As the first-of-its-kind in Hawaii, the Sphere marks a new era in the confluence of technology and marine observation. This new experience allows guests to connect with humpbacks in their world by integrating 4k imagery, 3D active glasses, and a 7.1 surround sound system. The Sphere was built with the support and collaboration of science and technology experts to create something not previously possible. Today, it is considered one of Maui’s best attractions!

“Until now, people have only observed humpback whales from above the ocean’s surface, witnessing their power and size during their infamous breaches,” said Tapani Vuori, general manager of Maui Ocean Center. “Our exhibit transports guests deep into the ocean, giving them an inside look into the complex and vibrant lives of Maui’s humpback whales and allowing them to forge new connections with one of nature’s greatest marvels.”

Hawaiian Culture & Botanical Plant Tour

Led by a dedicated naturalist, this 90-minute supplemental tour explores the ecological and cultural connections between land and ocean in Hawaiian culture, exemplified by the Kumulipo creation chant. During this tour, participants will engage in a multi-sensory experience, including smelling pōhinahina leaves, hearing kukui nuts, learning Hawaiian proverbs, and using poi pounding stones.

They’ll also taste crops introduced by Polynesian settlers. The tour covers a journey from mountains to sea, highlighting plants like ‘Ōhi’a Lehuna and Naupaka Kahakai, significant in Hawaiian legends and supports re-planting native coastal vegetation to combat erosion impacting coral reefs.

Behind The Scenes Tour

Step into the shoes of a Maui Ocean Center curatorial staff member to discover what goes on behind the scenes and how our team of ocean experts tends to the marine animals under our care.

This 60-minute tour with a dedicated marine naturalist will take you beyond the public exhibits and into an exclusive experience for an up-close view of our coral propagation lab and an opportunity to learn about our unique open water system. Dive into the science of raising aquaculture animals, marine health, nutrition, and more!  

Whether you’re curious about what it takes to operate our aquarium or are simply a marine enthusiast looking for a deeper understanding of what Hawaiʻi’s marine life needs to survive and thrive, we’re sure you’ll find this tour fascinating. Be sure to come prepared with all your questions and receive our exclusive Maui Ocean Center fish identification card.