Maui's Aquarium

The Maui Ocean Center aquarium is worth a special mention, not only as a spectacular activity, but also for their work in educating the public and protecting the marine environment. The 3-acre facility is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, and is a sustainable tourism operation. Animals are well cared for while on exhibit, then returned to the ocean. 

A visit to Maui's aquarium will take you from the shallow reef, deeper into the ocean. Along the way, you'll discover marine life endemic to Hawaii, or in other words, found no where else on earth. Maui Ocean Center is a great primer about Hawaii's marine life and unique cultural ties to the ocean.

Features include outdoor tide pools and reef building, and a 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit with a 240-degree view acrylic tunnel. There is a new Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit and Sphere that goes beyond 3D to a total immersive experience. 

Note: Maui Ocean Center currently requires advance reservations for enhanced health and safety of guests, and to spread visitation throughout the day. 

The company's affiliated nonprofit Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute supports marine life rescue operations and coral reef restoration. In addition to stewardship programs, such as releasing turtle hatchlings back into the ocean, the organization is proactively propagating coral to address the rapid decline in coral populations in Hawaii due to climate change and other factors 

When visiting Maui Ocean Center's website, make sure to check out the live underwater video cam.