Maui Ocean Center | The Aquarium of Hawai'i

Park Hours 9 AM - 5 PM

Experience the wonder of the ocean around us

our mission

TO FOSTER UNDERSTANDING, WONDER, AND RESPECT FOR HAWAI‘I’S MARINE LIFE.

E HI‘I A MAOPOPO KAHO‘OHA‘OHA‘O ANA A ME KA HŌ‘IHI NO KA HAWAI‘I OLA MA KE KAI.

Discover. Connect. Protect.

Our mission is to foster wonder, awareness, and love for all that the ocean encompasses among as wide a public as possible. In doing so, we aim to create an appreciation of what that means for our diverse natural environment. This is achieved through experiential education, encouraging exploration, and advocating for the safegaurding of the ocean and its delicate ecosystems.

HUMPBACKS OF HAWAI‘I

EXPLORE THE MAGNIFICENT REALM OF THE WHALES IN OUR 3-D SPHERE EXPERIENCE (INCLUDED WITH GENERAL ADMISSION)

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IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THEIR WORLD

Get to know these mysterious mammoths of the deep.


Follow the humpbacks’ journey from Alaska to Hawai‘i, hear their songs, and fall in love with a newborn whale calf.

Creating genuine & meaningful encounters with our ocean

Learn about the history, culture, and unique traditions that permeated early Hawaiian villages. Explore their special connection with the sea and appreciate the great understanding they exhibited in their care for both land and marine environments.

CONNECT TO HAWAIIAN CULTURE​

start your adventure with us​

ongoing initiatives

MĀLAMA I KE KAI, A MĀLAMA KE KAI IA OE

CARE FOR THE OCEAN, AND THE OCEAN WILL CARE FOR YOU

maui ocean center's commitment to healthy marine ecosystems extends far beyond our aquarium

We honor the traditional Hawaiian belief that the natural world is more than just a resource; it’s family. Explore our dynamic science and stewardship projects — you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get your hands wet and help preserve the best of Hawai’i! 

beach cleanups

MOC Marine Institute’s Honu Hero Beach Cleanup Program allows residents and visitors to take a hands-on approach to protect our marine environments while enjoying time with their family and friends.  

taking care of each other

We strive to mālama kekahi i kekahi, to take care of each other. The health and safety of our community and marine life has been and always will be our top priority.

IT IS MY WISH THAT WE WILL ALWAYS BE FIERCE ADVOCATES AND STEWARDS OF OUR OCEANS AND MARINE LIFE...IF IT’S NOT US WHO MAKES THESE CHANGES, THEN WHO WILL?

Tapani Vuori

General Manager

Our reviews

people think we're fin-tastic!

Tyler
in the last week
My visit to the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium was an enjoyable experience, but it left me with mixed feelings. The aquarium itself is beautifully maintained, showcasing a wide variety of marine life that is both fascinating and visually stunning. The weather was perfect, which added to the overall pleasant atmosphere of the day. The exhibits are well-designed, and the marine life is truly a sight to behold. From colorful tropical fish to mesmerizing jellyfish and graceful sea turtles, the displays offer a captivating glimpse into the underwater world surrounding Maui. The aquarium's dedication to conservation and education is commendable, making it a great place to learn about the ocean's delicate ecosystems. However, the price of admission did feel a bit steep, especially for a group of adults. While the experience is certainly unique and the fish are pretty, it was hard to justify the cost. For the price, I expected a bit more in terms of interactive exhibits or added value. The aquarium is relatively small, and we found ourselves completing the tour quicker than anticipated. Despite the cost, the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium is still worth a visit, especially if you have a keen interest in marine life. It's a wonderful place to appreciate the beauty of the ocean and learn more about Hawaii's aquatic environments. Just be prepared for the ticket price, and perhaps consider visiting during a special event or discount period if budget is a concern. In summary, the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium offers a visually stunning and educational experience, though the price may be a bit high for some visitors. If you love marine life and are willing to invest in the experience, you'll likely enjoy your time here.
Evan Tumminello
a month ago
This aquarium is amazing. I underestimated how much there is to learn here. You can spend a whole day here and I'd recommend it. Their tanks are incredible, and the whale movie is really special. Their gift shop is ridiculously cool, boasting everything from books, toys, cooking items, decorations, art, and jewelry. It was so good we came back the next day just to pick up some items we really wanted. The Seascape restaurant next to it is 10/10 quality. Pricey, but you probably won't find a better meal, maybe on the island.
Atticus Zambrana
a month ago
Took my wife here for the day, and loved it, lots of things to see like small fish, pufferfish, sharks and so much more. They have a cafe that serves snacks but we thought it was a bit pricey so just stuck with 2 dole whips. She got strawberry, and I got coconut. Very tasty. On top of that we also got to see their 3D Whale experience, and we loved it.
Catherine C
a week ago
The Maui Ocean Center offers an immersive experience into the vibrant marine life of Hawaii. From mesmerizing exhibits showcasing diverse species to educational presentations, it's a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families alike. We enjoyed the presentation by a scuba diver who shared detailed information about the fish passing by him. The underwater tunnel provides an up-close encounter with sharks, rays, and other ocean dwellers, while the outdoor habitats offer a glimpse into Hawaiian marine ecosystems. Overall, it's an enriching and memorable journey through the wonders of the Pacific Ocean.
Wander And Travel
a month ago
This is a great aquarium to visit for people of all ages. It's clean and the animals appear to be well cared for. We spent several hours visiting each exhibit. It was so fun watching the sea turtles swim around. They are truly magical creatures. The shark tank was super exciting as well. You walk through a tunnel and the sharks are swimming all around you. Overall, its a great place to visit.