Maui Ocean Center

My 6 year-old absolutely loves this aquarium. Since he was 6 months old we have gone there at least 15 times. I regret to not purchasing the year pass. His favorite attraction is probably the shark area. He loves sharks or anything with sharp teeth. My favorite attraction is the "touch pool" where you can see and feel sea urchins and other sea animals in their own environment. All of the attractions are not only fun, but they're also very educational. Next to each display are fun facts and games to learn about each attraction. This is a fun place to go for a family day that's both exciting and educational. Kama'aina rates apply if you are a hawaii resident which helps out a lot. There is also a concession stand and restaurant. The gift shop is a lot of fun, also. more

This state-of-the-art marine park on the island of Maui highlights the beauty and wonder of Hawaii's underwater world. Here, visitors can see spectacular live coral displays (the largest collection in the nation), marvel at elusive garden eels and majestic lionfish, muse at the colorful Hawaiian wrasse, enjoy playful swimming displays by Hawai‘i’s beloved green sea turtles and awe at close encounters with sharks, rays and more – while learning about Hawai‘i’s natural history and cultural heritage. There are over 60 exhibits and hands-on activities that will delight children and adults alike. more

Maui Ocean Center is located at 192 Maalaea Road in Wailuku, Hawaii. This is a great aquarium or amusement park on the road connecting Kahului with the tourist resort of Lahaina. You can spend hours here with your family as you see all their marine animals and educational exhibits. We come to this park every time we visit Maui. more

I had to say sight seeing, because the Maui Ocean Center is an educational experience for any one who is interested in the ocean and its inhabitants. They have some great exhibits, as good as anywhere, and this is a great way to spend some time and learn something too. If the weather turns bad on you, don't think twice, going here is as good if not better than going to a movie. more

When I saw that there was an aquarium on Maui, I assumed that it would be small and not have a lot to offer. But I had a six month old at the time and wanted something that she might be able to be interested in. Maui Ocean Center went WAY above and beyond my expectations. The Ocean Center has some interactive exhibits, but it is mostly a traditional aquarium, with room after room of interesting aquatic life. What sets it apart are two big things. First, the Turtle Lagoon is AWESOME. You can watch from above the pool or go down and look in through a window. Everything is very clean and clear and it is incredible how much you can see. The most awesome thing about the Ocean Center, however, is the Open Ocean area. One entire huge wall of the aquarium is glass to look through. I sat with my baby on the carpeted floor and we could look up, down and all around and see fish UP CLOSE. Sharks and stingrays were swimming right near the glass. I sat with a six month old for close to an hour and it was fascinating for me and for her. After you go in this room, there is a tunnel to walk through and sit in (some people were even laying down!) and you can see all around you, just like you were walking through an ocean that was well lighted. It was really cool! One other place to sit and just watch for a while is the jellyfish room. It is amazing to just relax in this room. I was so pleased with the Ocean Center. It was worth every cent that we spent to go there and will remain on the top of list of things that are musts for when we visit Maui. You can even have lunch here and shop for quality souveniers. more