FAQ

Q. When is the aquarium open?
A. Maui Ocean Center is open every day of the year, from 9am to 5pm, with extended hours (9am to 6pm) in July and August.

Q. How much is admission?
A. Admission is $25.00 for adults, $18.00 for children (ages 3-12), and $22.00 for seniors (ages 65 and up). Children under 3 are free. There are discounts for Hawaii state residents with proper ID, members of the U.S. military, AAA members, and travel agents available at the Front Gate with valid ID.

Q. What kind of animals do you have at Maui Ocean Center?
A. We have all kinds of tropical reef fish, octopus, moray eels, green sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, sea jellies, and much, much more! All of the animals at Maui Ocean Center are found in Hawaiian waters.

Q. Do you have whales or dolphins at the aquarium?
A. At this time, it is illegal to have captive marine mammals in Maui County. If you wish to see whales or dolphins, there are several boat companies that offer such excursions, and you can see the animals in their natural environment.

Q. Do we offer reciprocal membership with any other zoos or aquariums?
A. At this time, we do not offer any reciprocal memberships with other aquariums or zoos in the United States. We do offer complimentary admission to members of Coral World International's other aquariums - Coral World in Eilat, Israel, AQWA in Perth, Australia, and the new Palma Aquarium on the island of Mallorca.

Q. Where is the aquarium located on Maui?
A. Maui Ocean Center is conveniently located at Ma'alaea Harbor, off Highway 30. The aquarium is located 10-20 minutes from Kihei and Wailea, 15-20 minutes from Lahaina and Ka'anapali, 25-30 minutes from Napili and Kapalua.

Q. Do I need to purchase tickets in advance or make reservations?
A. Admission is available at the Front Gate, no reservations are necessary. Advance tickets may be available through certain activity companies, or with combo packages. Tickets may also be purchased online and require at least a 3-day advance purchase.

Q. How long does a visit to Maui Ocean Center usually last?
A. 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 spend time browsing through the amazing collection of retail items at the Maui Ocean Center Store.

Q. Is the aquarium outdoors or indoors?
A. The majority of the aquarium is indoors and air conditioned, making it the perfect attraction for Maui's hot, muggy summer days, or during the occasional rainstorm!

Q. Do you have any scheduled shows or feedings?
A. Maui Ocean Center displays the animals in realistic, natural environments, and to maintain the essence of life in the wild, there are no shows and no set feeding times. There are trained Ocean Naturalists throughout the park who give presentations at various exhibits throughout the day, and will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Q. Are there scheduled tours?
A. There are no scheduled tours, visits to the aquarium are self-paced. If you would like more information about the exhibits as you view them, Audio Guides are available for rental for $3.00 per person, or for $8.00 for a family (up to 6 audio guides).

Q. Can I get into the retail store or restaurant without paying admission?
A. YES! For entrance to the retail store, you may enter through the Front Gate. To enjoy a delicious lunch at the Seascape Ma'alaea Restaurant, you may enter through the side entrance closer to the Harbor Shops.

Q. Can I leave the aquarium and return the same day?
A. Yes, your admission is good for the whole day, simply show your receipt at the Front Gate. You may also purchase a Weekly Journey Pass for only a few more dollars, which is good for seven days from the purchase.

Q. How can I become a member?
A. Easy! You can sign up to be a member at the Front Gate, or by calling 270-7075. By being a member, you receive free admission to the aquarium for a full year, discounts on friends and family, discounts at the retail store and food and beverage outlets, and more! Visit the member page for more details!

Q. How can I become a volunteer?
A. Maui Ocean Center relies on its dedicated team of volunteers for support in every aspect of the park. As a volunteer, you can help clean the exhibits, assist in the office, or spend time answering questions from guests in the park. To apply to become a volunteer, you may call (808) 270-7085, or apply at the Administrative Office.