Back to list

Maui Ocean Center Aquarium in Maui, HI

192 Ma’alaea Rd. • Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793

View on Map

Maui Ocean Center- The Hawaiian Aquarium in Wailuku, Maui,, Hawaii

View Gallery

Based on 6,406 reviews

7-Line North Shore Zipline Canopy Tour in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii

Maui Luau: Gilligans' Island Luau in Kihei in Kihei, Hawaii

Maui Ocean Center - The Hawaiian Aquarium is not currently available.

Check out our other great Maui Things to Do.

View All Things to Do

Authorized Reseller

Details

Reviews

Map

FAQs

Select Tickets

Overview

A three-acre, state-of-the-art aquarium and marine park, Maui Ocean Center offers a family-friendly and educational experience for guests of all ages. The center is home to 60 self-guided, interactive exhibits with a variety of fish indigenous or endemic to Hawaii, such as Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, Spotted Eagle Ray, Reef Triggerfish, Flowery Flounder, Red Hawaiian Reef Lobster, and more.

up to 2.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

Aquarium includes indoor and outdoor exhibits and attractions.
Last entry to the aquarium is at 4:30 pm.
Outside food and beverages are prohibited at the aquarium for the safety of guests and animals alike.
Complimentary guest parking is available.
Allot about 2 hours to explore the entire aquarium.

Description

Voted Hawaii's "Top Family Attraction"
From the smallest coral polyp to the seven-foot sandbar shark, the intricate wonders of Hawai'i's ocean are showcased in over 60 indoor and outdoor exhibits at Maui Ocean Center. Each exhibit features marine animals living in habitats closely resembling their own natural environment.

Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & Sphere
Maui Ocean Center’s Sphere breaks the deep-sea barrier and brings you eye-to-eye with Maui’s humpback whales in their realm beneath the waves. 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.

Developed, produced, and directed by Daniel Opitz of Ocean Mind, the film includes footage from two seasons in the waters around Maui.

The Living Reef
Over 40 realistically-designed exhibits take you on a journey from the rocky surge zone to the edge of the deep reef. See rarely encountered marine creatures: moray eels, octopus, lobsters, sea horses, nocturnal fish and much more!

Turtle Lagoon
Get up close and personal with Hawaiian green sea turtles at this outdoor two-view exhibit. See the animals from above the water, as they surface to breathe, or from a below-viewing window for a unique view of these beloved creatures. Maui Ocean Center's sea turtles are part of a hatch-and-release program and will eventually be released in the wild.

Hawaiians and the Sea
This exhibit is dedicated to the rich culture of the first Hawaiians on the Islands. They try to have their guests experience what it’s like to take a step into the past. Discover captivating artifacts, traditional tools, and intricate artwork that showcase the profound relationship between Hawaiians and the sea. Gain a deeper understanding of their sustainable fishing practices, navigation techniques, and legends surrounding marine life.

Kaho'olawe: History and Healing
Kaho‘olawe has long been a sacred and storied place for Native Hawaiians. Steeped in cultural and historical significance, the uninhabited island was once a center for celestial navigation training, agriculture, and spiritual practice. Kaho‘olawe’s modern history is marked by an era of intense U.S. military target practice and the Native Hawaiian movement to reclaim and restore the island.

Maui Ocean Center unveiled Kaho‘olawe: A Story of History and Healing to commemorate the sacred island’s past, present, and future.

The Open Ocean
A 54-foot-long clear acrylic tunnel transports you through this underwater realm, providing a 240-degree view of nearly 2,000 fishes, while stingrays slide overhead and sharks look visitors in the eye. This 750,000-gallon salt-water aquarium is the largest in the state.

Promotional Images (4)

Customer Photos (2)

Maui Ocean Center - The Hawaiian Aquarium photo submitted by Susan Jones

Maui Ocean Center - The Hawaiian Aquarium Reviews

Based on 6,406 reviews

Write a Review

johndG9287NE

"Good Experience"

Reviewed February 11, 2025

This was family friendly and we learned alot of cool information about the ocean and sea life. Very nice staff. The food options could be better and more inclusive to accommodate different diets and more healthy choices.

Q3653BEjosephc

Marietta, Georgia

"Maui Ocean Center."

Reviewed January 22, 2025

Albert was a great driver. We loved the Aquarium and especially the humpback whale 3D Cinemax movie. The gift shop was also interesting.

EDWR

Calgary, Alberta

"Fantastic experience!"

Reviewed January 20, 2025

The Maui Ocean Center is one of the best ocean experiences you will find. Lots of great exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and even artisans on the premises. It takes time to see, but is well worth it, especially the huge aquariums and underwater tunnel. Good gift shop as well. Worth every penny!

MJBSLC

"Behind-the-scenes Tour - Really fun and a good value"

Reviewed January 08, 2025

In Maui, where every activity is way overpriced, I especially appreciated our behind-the-scenes tour as well as the aquarium overall. It was not very long but it was fun to get to go into the non-public areas of the aquarium and learn about how they are growing coral and working to help injured turtles. We got to feed several of the animals at the aquarium which was very fun. I was pleasantly surprised that our group was almost all adults with only one tween/teen in the group (and she was very knowledgeable about all the animals). Our guide was very warm and gave us lots of great information. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

kapiln2016

"Good for kids - Under 13/14"

Reviewed December 29, 2024

Had a great experience. Especially the behind the scenes tour with Keo. She was very engaging with kids and made them curious, excited and delighted with her behind the scenes activities.

saucyabby

Edmonton, Alberta

"My Favourite Aquarium"

Reviewed December 27, 2024

This is one of the best aquariums I have ever visited. It is well maintained and has a very diverse collection. The shark tank and tunnel are incredible. This is a must-go for anyone.

J6149TNrebeccas

"Good educational experience"

Reviewed December 14, 2024

Learned a lot and had a lot of fun. There was a cool part about the history of Hawaiians and their relationship with the oceans. They had a man demoing how to make traditional fishing nets and another man making fish out of palm leafs to take home. I understand it feels a tad pricey but the animals seem well cared for and happy so it seems like they’re putting the money to good use. That said the turtle enclosure did seem kind of boring and un stimulating for them

V1195YIshannons

"Thoroughly enjoyed"

Reviewed December 12, 2024

We had an exceptional host, her name was Ella. She was well versed and knowledgeable in all aspects of the marine life, with a great personality. Our entire group felt that having the “ behind the scenes tour” was well worth it. Feeding turtles, attempting to feed sharks, plus feeding the coral was great. Who knew you could feed coral…….? And the sphere movie about the humpback whales was a great way to finish our tour. Well worth it! Oh ya, and frog fish.

RDR56003

Houston, Texas

"Wonderful aquarium experience"

Reviewed December 11, 2024

This is a wonderful ocean science center with a surprisingly large number of thoughtful displays. We love aquariums and this did not disappoint. There is also interesting historical information. The on site restaurant was very good and reasonably priced for Maui. The gift shop also had a great collection of art, jewelry, books, and souvenirs.

246StephenC

Singapore

"An underwater adventure!"

Reviewed December 05, 2024

Maui Ocean Center offers an immersive underwater experience that's both entertaining and educational. The aquarium's diverse marine life and interactive exhibits make it a great place to spend a few hours. Don't miss the Humpback Whale documentary - it's a highlight of the visit!"

pglejm

Santa Cruz, California

"Excellent combination of marine and aquatic life along with the culture and history of the islands."

Reviewed December 01, 2024

We were with our grandchildren so we couldn’t spend too long on the exhibits that we found interesting as there were so many awesome marine animals to see up close and personal. There were plenty of hands on exhibits as well. The way the aquarium is set up makes it very easy to know which way to go. Don’t forget to buy a pineapple Dole whip too!!

667bryank

Napa, Napa Valley, California

"Great Aquarium"

Reviewed November 21, 2024

Great aquarium! The coral reef exhibit was fantastic, got to see what we may have missed while snorkeling around the island. Very informative especially with the cultural ties with the island. Highly recommend a stop here.

FionaFen

Marlborough Region, South Island

"A fabulous Maui sealife experience"

Reviewed October 04, 2024

We were in Maui for one day while on the Crown Princess cruise ship. We had not booked a shore excursion ( ridiculously expensive - but more on that later …) I found the MOC online . We got a taxi from Kahului port to MOC at 8.30am for $38 including tip . We had pre booked tickets at $40 each . What a fantastic facility ! From entering , staff were friendly and knowledgeable. We spent three hours happily looking at beautiful sealife in their happy place . The tanks were spotless and it was obvious that care and concern for our natural environment was paramount to this facility . The turtles were fabulous . The nursery area with shark pups was so good to see . The tunnel through sharks and stingrays was wonderful . We loved the Orbit Sphere where you could kick back in chilled comfort and view a humpback whale and her calf in a beautifully cinema experience. There’s a great cafe on site as well as one of the best gift stores I’ve ever seen for a facility like this . Well done to all those who created this very special place. Worth every $ to visit here . A must see in Maui. Outside there are other cool shops and restaurants . The pacific Whale Foundation also operates from there and books whale spotting in season and has a great store . Hula cookies are outstanding and there’s lots of interesting souvenir shops . We also found that there is a free shuttle coach back to the Port leaving at 12.30 or 1.30pm . So in total we spent around $120 for the best morning . The ship excursion for transport and every was $360 for 2 . It’s a no brainer and It was easier doing it independently.

View all 6,406 Tripadvisor Reviews

Maui Ocean Center - The Hawaiian Aquarium is located at 192 Ma’alaea Rd. • Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793

Attractions

Hotels & Lodging

Nearby Things to Do

Nearby Hotels & Lodging

Frequently Asked Questions about Maui Ocean Center - The Hawaiian Aquarium

How much is parking?
Parking is complimentary and available in front of the Maui Ocean Center off Hwy 30.

How long do I need to plan for a visit to Maui Ocean Center?
The average visit to Maui Ocean Center lasts about 2 hours. Plan to stay longer if you wish to enjoy lunch at the Seascape Ma‘alaea Restaurant or Reef Café, or spend time browsing through the amazing collection of retail items at the Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop.

What time is the last entry?
Maui Ocean Center allows entry until closing. However, please be aware that all buildings will close promptly at 5:00 pm (or 6:00 pm with extended summer hours in July and August). Please a lot yourself enough time to view exhibits and presentations at your own pace.

Is the aquarium outdoors or indoors?
Approximately 75% of the Aquarium exhibits are indoors and air conditioned, making it the perfect attraction for anyone, anytime! Located in Ma‘alaea Harbor, the Aquarium also provides spectacular ocean views.

Do you have any scheduled shows or feedings?
Maui Ocean Center displays the animals in our care in realistic, natural environments and the animals are fed according to their needs, therefore feedings and shows are not offered.

Do you have strollers or wheelchairs available?
Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis. Maui Ocean Center is ADA compliant. Strollers are currently not available.

Can I get into the gift shop without paying admission?
Yes! For entrance to Maui Ocean Treasure gift shop, you may enter through the Front Gate.

Can I get into the restaurant without paying admission?
Yes! To enjoy a delicious lunch at Seascape Ma‘alaea Restaurant, you may enter through the side entrance adjacent to the Ma‘alaea Harbor Shops.

Do you have audio guides available?
Yes, they are available at the Front Gate. It’s like having your own personal tour guide with you and we highly recommend them. Audio guides are $3.00 for a single unit or $8.00 for 3-6 units and are available in English.

Do you have a dress code?
Yes, shirt and shoes are required at all times and all clothing appropriate for a family environment.

Do you have a smoking policy?
In accordance with Hawai‘i state law, Maui Ocean Center is a smoke-free facility. With your admission receipt, you can exit the Front Gate and smoke outside of the facility, at least 30ft from any windows or doors, and return to the Aquarium.

Are pets allowed?
No, only leashed service animals are allowed.

Can I bring drinks or outside food?
For your safety, absolutely no outside food or beverage (of any type) are allowed at Maui Ocean Center. No coolers allowed. Exceptions can be made for infants and school groups (with prior approval) and those with special medical needs; see a Front Gate attendant. Please, no chewing gum.

Can I take photos and video?
Photography and video are permitted throughout the park for personal enjoyment only.

Maui Ocean Center Aquarium in Maui, HI

Maui Ocean Center - The Hawaiian Aquarium is not currently available.

Overview

Good To Know

Description

Maui Ocean Center - The Hawaiian Aquarium Reviews

Maui Ocean Center - The Hawaiian Aquarium is located at 192 Ma’alaea Rd. • Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793

Nearby Things to Do

Nearby Hotels & Lodging

Frequently Asked Questions about Maui Ocean Center - The Hawaiian Aquarium

Customer Support

Useful Links

Our Company

Our Partners

Call and Book Your Next Trip Today!