MAUI OCEAN CENTER

Voted Hawaii’s Top Attraction by Zagat Survey US Family Travel Guide! Take a journey through a sea of life at Maui Ocean Center, The Hawaiian Aquarium. This state-of-the-art marine park highlights the beauty and wonder of Hawaii’s underwater world. Stroll through the 54-foot long acrylic tunnel inside the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean Exhibit and come eye to eye with numerous reef sharks, stingrays, and thousands of tropical reef fish. See the nation’s largest collection of living coral, be entertained by playful green sea turtles, and become mesmerized by the mystical Sea Jelly Cylinder.

Ocean Naturalists give presentations throughout the day, and answer any questions that guests may have. Over 60 exhibits and hands-on activities will delight children and adults alike. The aquarium’s newest exhibit, the Marine Mammal Discovery Center, features interactive displays, videos and life-sized models of monk seals, dolphins and whales found in Hawaiian waters. Youngsters can explore dolphin biology with hands-on experiments at the Dolphin Playpod and all ages will be able to experience what it is like to be swallowed by a humpback whale with the Bubble Net. The aquarium’s Shark Dive Maui program allows certified divers to descend into the Open Ocean Exhibit to really experience the marine life up-close.

Surrounded by over twenty sharks, half a dozen stingrays, and one very curious spotted eagle ray, divers will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and their entire family will be able to watch the whole dive from start to finish! An average visit to the Hawaiian Aquarium lasts approximately two hours, but most visitors stay longer to absorb the breathtaking views, linger over lunch at the aquarium’s restaurant or open-air café, or to immerse themselves in the Maui Ocean Center Store, a veritable treasure trove of ocean- and island-inspired jewelry, art, clothing, toys, gifts, books and logo items. Centrally located in Ma‘alaea Harbor, Maui Ocean Center is about 20 minutes from Maui’s major resort areas. Audio guide rentals and complimentary wheelchairs are available. Open daily, 9-5, July and August until 6pm. Call (808) 270-7000 or visit www.mauioceancenter.com for more information.

MAUI OCEAN CENTER STORE

As if King Neptune himself assembled the riches of the sea, the Maui Ocean Center Store is a veritable treasure chest filled with the island’s most unique and inspiring gifts and collectables. Located in the heart of the Hawaiian Aquarium, a visit to this exciting 6,000 square foot shopping destination can be an unforgettable experience. A popular attraction for visitors of all ages, the Maui Ocean Center Store complements the marine park’s overall experience. A myriad of plush and collectable animal species, postcards, and nature books become the perfect souvenir of one’s visit. So too, are the dazzling array of fine artwork, jewelry and Hawaiiana created by some of the island’s most prominent artists. The book and DVD section has a voluminous collection of aquatic and Hawaiiana related titles, and new items are constantly being added. The extensive children’s section includes fun and educational toys, games and books, and even has a ‘Cave of Imagination’ with glow-in-the-dark goodies for all. The year-round collection of unique and collectable Christmas ornaments is very popular with visitors and residents alike. Access to Maui Ocean Center Store is available without aquarium admission, check in at the Front Gate. Open daily, 9am-6pm. Call (808) 270-7000 for more information.