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, rays, 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 questions that guests may have. Over 60 exhibits and hands-on activities will delight children and adults alike. The Marine Mammal Discovery Center features interactive displays, videos and games including the experience of 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 lifetime experience, and their entire family will be able to watch the entire dive! 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 award winning restaurant or open-air café, or to immerse themselves in the Maui Ocean Center Store. The ocean view Seascape Ma`alaea Restaurant offers an enticing menu with one item missing, trans-fat. In addition to heart-health, the restaurant is ocean-friendly by following Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program. The Reef Café offers delicious choices in an open-air, casual atmosphere. The Maui Ocean Center Store is a veritable treasure trove of ocean- and island-inspired gifts and keepsakes, along with Maui's largest collection of Pandora Jewelry. Centrally located in Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui Ocean Center is about 20 minutes from Maui's major resort areas. Audio guide rentals and complimentary strollers 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 and features the island's largest selection of Pandora jewelry. 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-5pm; 9am-6pm July and August. Call (808) 270-7000 for more information.
