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Travel Guide
Maui Ocean Heart: A Premier Aquarium
09
Apr
Apr
The Maui Ocean Heart is a marvel. Opened in 1998, whereas it might appear odd to have an aquarium on an island surrounded by a residing sea, step inside and also you’ll rapidly perceive why it’s one among Maui’s prime sights.
The ocean’s magic comes alive while not having to hop on a ship or strap on a snorkel. By means of immersive reveals and a deep reverence for Hawaiian marine life, the middle gives a profound look into the ocean that surrounds the Islands. From shimmering faculties of tropical fish to the sleek dance of sea turtles and the quiet energy of native sharks, each encounter deepens your connection to Hawai‘i’s underwater world. You’ll by no means once more have a look at the ocean in the identical means. I didn’t.
“What an incredible aquarium! I’ve solely been to 1 different aquarium (Monterey Bay) and this one is head and shoulders above that one.” –Invoice L.
Inexperienced Sea Turtle (Maui Ocean Heart) Shutterstock
Key Reveals at Maui Ocean Heart
Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi Exhibit & Sphere
Expertise the majesty of humpback whales like by no means earlier than in an immersive 3D theater with encompass sound that brings their world to life. Watch as they breach, sing, and care for his or her younger, all whereas studying about their annual migration to Hawai‘i’s heat waters every winter to breed and provides delivery earlier than returning to the Northern Pacific.
Be taught what you are able to do to protect humpback whales.
Hawaiians and the Sea
Hawaiians and the Sea is a strong exhibit that honors the deep-rooted bond between Native Hawaiians and the ocean. By means of tales, artifacts, and interactive shows, it explores conventional wayfinding, sustainable fishing practices, and the cultural beliefs that view the ocean not simply as a useful resource—however as a revered ancestor and life drive.
Uncover how Native Hawaiians and different Polynesians have rediscovered the talent of wayfinding and crusing by the celebs. Polynesian Voyaging Society
Kaho‘olawe: Historical past and Therapeutic
A poignant have a look at one among Hawai‘i’s most sacred and storied islands, as soon as used as a army coaching floor, Kahoʻolawe is now the main focus of highly effective restoration efforts. This exhibit shares the island’s cultural significance to Native Hawaiians and the community-driven journey to heal its land and spirit.
Discover out the most recent about what’s being carried out to heal and restore Kahoolawe’s land by means of Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC)
Dwelling Reef Exhibit
House to over 40 species of Hawaiian corals, this exhibit highlights the colourful ecosystems of Hawaii’s reefs and the myriad marine species they assist.
Is your sunscreen accredited to be used in Hawai‘i? Discover out about Hawai‘i’s regulation on reef-safe sunscreens.
Open Ocean Exhibit
Plunges into the guts of the deep with a panoramic 750,000-gallon tank teeming with sharks, rays, and different open-ocean predators. The spotlight? A 54-foot-long underwater tunnel that surrounds you in a 360-degree view, providing an unforgettable, up-close encounter with the ocean’s strongest—and sleek—inhabitants.
Be taught extra about manta rays right here.
Turtle Lagoon
This serene exhibit gives an up-close view of those historic mariners, honu, whereas sharing their life cycle, habitat, and the cultural respect they maintain in Hawaiian custom. It additionally highlights important conservation efforts to guard them, making certain future generations can proceed to witness their mild presence in island waters.
Be taught extra about sea turtles here.
Plant Life
Many plant species are discovered completely within the Hawaiian Islands and nowhere else on the planet. It’s estimated that there are round 1,200 native flowering plant species in Hawai’i. This contains varied kinds of bushes, shrubs, herbs, and ferns.
Uncover the wonder and that means of Native Hawaiian plants.
Blowfish on the Maui Ocean Heart (Shutterstock)
Sleep within the Deep – Sleepover at Maui Ocean Heart
Think about drifting off to sleep lulled to sleep by sharks, manta rays, and swirling faculties of tropical fish. Each month, Maui Ocean Heart hosts Sleep within the Deep, a one-of-a-kind sleepover the place keiki (children) and households can camp out beneath the huge Open Ocean Exhibit. It’s half slumber get together, half ocean journey—with academic actions, guided excursions, and after-hours enjoyable. Personal group bookings are additionally accessible, making it good for birthday events or faculty outings. It’s an evening your children will always remember—and actually, neither will you.
Pricing and Members
- Value: $125 per particular person (15% low cost for members: $106.50)
- Ages: 7-12 really useful (minimal age: 7, older kids welcome)
- Group Measurement: 15-40 members
- Chaperone Ratio: 1 grownup (21+) per Eight kids
What’s Included
- Night snacks and light-weight continental breakfast
- Academic actions and displays
- Film night time in Makai Theater
- Behind-the-scenes experiences
- Sleeping space within the open ocean exhibi
Pattern Schedule
Night
- 6:45 PM: Test-in
- 7:00 PM: Orientation
- 7:15 PM: Coral reef presentation and scavenger hunt
- 7:45 PM: Group actions
- 9:00 PM: Film and snacks
- 10:30 PM: Lights out
Morning
- 6:30 AM: Wake-up
- 7:10 AM: Help with morning feedings
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 8:30 AM: Academic actions
- 9:30 AM: Program ends
Maui Ocean Heart (Fb)
Customer Info for Maui Ocean Heart
Hours: Open every day from 9 a.m. to five p.m.
Admission: Basic admission contains entry to all reveals and the Sphere expertise. Reductions can be found for kamaʻāina (Hawaii residents) and U.S. army personnel.
Facilities: The middle options the Seascape Restaurant and the Maui Ocean Treasures present store.
Basic Admission Charges as of 2025:
- Grownup (13-64 years): $49.95
- Youngster (4-12 years): $39.95
- Senior (65+ years): $44.95
Kamaʻāina and U.S. Army Charges:
- Grownup (13-64 years): $29.95
- Youngster (4-12 years): $19.95
- Senior (65+ years): $26.95
A legitimate Hawaiʻi state ID or U.S. army ID is required for discounted charges.
Kamaʻāina Weekend Particular:
On Saturdays and Sundays, Hawaiʻi residents can get pleasure from additional financial savings:
- Grownup: $15
- Youngster: $10
Annual Membership Charges:
- Grownup (13-64 years): $135
- Youngster (4-12 years): $120
- Senior (65+ years): $125
- Household ʻOhana Flex Move (2 adults & 2 interchangeable kids): $300
Extra Info:
- Advance Buy Low cost: Reserving tickets no less than someday prematurely gives a $5 financial savings on admission charges.
- Parking: Paid parking is on the market at $2 per hour or $Eight per day by way of the ParkLinq App or QR code upon arrival.
- Costs are topic to alter, it’s advisable to verify the official Maui Ocean Center web site for essentially the most present info.
Eating Choices at Maui Ocean Heart and Surrounding Space
Seascape Restaurant, situated contained in the Maui Ocean Heart in Ma‘alaea, gives a sustainable eating expertise with scenic harbor views and an open-air setting. A Platinum Licensed “Ocean Pleasant Restaurant,” they emphasize environmentally seafood. Costs are reasonable, with appetizers starting from $9 to $13 and essential programs averaging between $14 and $20. Whereas walk-ins are welcome, reservations are really useful, particularly throughout peak hours.
Menu Highlights:
The menu options quite a lot of island-inspired dishes, together with recent seafood, salads, sandwiches, and vegetarian choices.
Notable gadgets embody:
- Ahi Poke Nachos – Premium grade ahi tuna tossed with sesame oil, served over taro chips with recent avocado.
- Seascape Cobb Salad – Cajun mahi-mahi, bay shrimp, and house-made crab muffins over blended greens.
- Vegetarian Wrap – Grilled greens, quinoa, avocado, and sprouts in a stone hearth wrap.
- The restaurant accommodates varied dietary preferences, providing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
Different Close by Bites:
Inside roughly a mile of the Maui Ocean Heart, a number of different eating choices can be found:
- Tante’s Fish Market Restaurant & Bar – Situated within the Maalaea Harbor Retailers, Tante’s focuses on seafood, native Hawaiian delicacies, sushi, and Filipino dishes. The restaurant supplies harbor views and a full-service bar.
- Havens Harborside Fish & Chophouse – Additionally within the Maalaea Harbor Retailers, this upscale-casual restaurant, led by Chef Zach Sato, gives Hawaiian regional delicacies with an emphasis on native flavors and elements. The eating space supplies panoramic ocean views.
- Maalaea General Store & Cafe – A relaxed spot providing breakfast and lunch choices reminiscent of acai bowls, sandwiches, and tacos. Recognized for its informal ambiance and beneficiant parts.
- Hula Cookies & Ice Cream – Situated close to the Maui Ocean Heart, this dessert spot serves quite a lot of cookies and ice cream, good for a candy deal with after a meal.