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Maui Ocean Center
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PHOTOS |
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Click on a thumbnail to
see a larger version of the photo |
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OVERVIEW |
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Since Coral World International opened its
$20-million Maui Ocean Center in March 1998,
this state-of-the-art facility has lured
visitors from around the globe fascinated
with experiencing a glimpse of Hawaii's
undersea world.
Aptly named “The Hawaiian Aquarium,” this
state-of-the-art marine park on the island
of Maui is the only facility in the world
dedicated to fostering understanding, wonder
and respect for Hawaii’s marine life. Here,
visitors can see spectacular live coral
displays (the largest collection in the
nation), enjoy playful swimming displays by
Hawaii's beloved green sea turtles, awe at
close encounters with sharks, rays and more
– while learning about Hawaii's natural
history and cultural heritage.
Through years of research and meticulous
care, Maui Ocean Center has gathered the
best and most unique collection of Hawaii's
marine life. As a result, what would take
weeks, if not a lifetime to explore in the
wild, can easily be seen in a leisurely
stroll through the facility in one day. For
visitors, this aquatic experience is both
educational and breathtaking as they
encounter hundreds of endemic animal
species.
Dedicated to perpetuating the island’s host
culture, Maui Ocean Center’s exhibits and
tours also showcase the language, myths and
history of the Hawaiian Islands in an
entertaining and educational format.
To enhance the learning experience, digital
audio guides, available at the park’s
information booth, provide colorful
commentary on the animals that call Hawai‘i
home (guides available in English, Spanish
and Japanese), while expert naturalists are
always nearby to answer any questions
visitors may have. Complimentary naturalist
presentations are also scheduled daily at
half past the hour in various exhibits
throughout the aquarium.
An average visit to the Hawaiian Aquarium
lasts approximately one and a half to two
hours, but most visitors stay longer to
absorb the breathtaking views, linger over
lunch at the aquarium’s two restaurants or
to immerse themselves in the Maui Ocean
Center Store, a veritable treasure trove of
ocean- and island-inspired jewelry, art,
clothing, toys, gifts, books and logo items.
Averaging over 400,000 visitors annually,
the Maui Ocean Center is one of Maui’s
biggest attractions for eco-tourism
activities. Throughout the marine park,
interactive displays, outdoor touch pools
and unique exhibits such as the acrylic
tunnel through a 750,000-gallon, Open Ocean
Exhibit teeming with over 2,000 fishes;
encourage visitors to experience Hawaii's
marine life up-close. These personal
encounters with nature are designed to help
visitors develop an understanding and
appreciation of the unique nature of
Hawaii's marine environment in an enjoyable
and safe setting.
All the animals displayed at the Maui Ocean
Center are collected exclusively from waters
around the Hawaiian Islands. All collecting
is conducted under strict, government
permits and the animals are featured and
cared for with integrity. The green sea
turtles, for example, are part of a
hatch-and-release program. They are given a
strong head start and eventually will be
released to the wild. Many of the rays and
sharks are rotated from the aquarium to the
ocean. And when a shark is brought into or
released from the aquarium, it is blessed by
one of Maui Ocean Center’s Hawaiian cultural
advisors, for sharks are considered na
‘aumakua (deified ancestors or personal
gods) by old Hawaiians. |
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DIRECTIONS |
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Directions to
Maui Ocean Center from Kahului (airport)
Drive West and take 380 to 30 to the
Ma'alaea Harbor. Make a left at the stop
light and enter the aquarium parking lot.
From Lahaina or Ka'anapali
Take 30 South for about ½ an hour and we are
five minutes past the tunnel, on the ocean
side. Take a right at the stop light in
Ma'alaea and enter the aquarium parking lot.
From Wailea
Drive North on 31 to 310 then make a left
onto 30. Take a left at the stop light in
Ma'alaea and enter the aquarium parking lot.
From Kihei
Drive North to 310 to 30 and make a left at
the stop light and enter the aquarium
parking lot.
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