The Complete Guide to Maui Ocean Center

This article was originally published on April 8, 2025, and was updated Feb. 10, 2026.

Opened in 1998, Maui Ocean Center in Central Maui offers world-class aquariums, immersive cultural exhibits, a farm-to-table restaurant, live shows and more. From shimmering schools of tropical fish to the graceful movement of sea turtles and the quiet power of native sharks, each encounter deepens your connection to Hawaiʻi’s underwater world. The indoor-outdoor center is suitable for all ages and offers an engaging way to spend an afternoon.

• Maui Ocean Center offers an immersive and fun way to learn about Hawaiʻi's sea life and culture and is a popular attraction for all ages.

• In 2024, Maui Ocean Center was named one of the Top 10 aquariums in the nation as part of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

• The main goal of Maui Ocean Center is to help protect Hawai‘i’s marine life. It boasts one of the world’s largest collections of live Pacific corals.

• The marine park is open year-round, with seasonal events such as Fins & Frights for Halloween, The Festival of Lights during the holidays and the annual Maui 5K run/walk in the spring.

• Maui Ocean Center provides a fun and educational experience for visitors looking to learn more about Hawaiʻi and its remarkable ocean life.

Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi Exhibit & Sphere

Experience the magic of humpback whales like never before in an immersive 3D theater with surround sound that brings their world to life. Watch as they breach, sing, and care for their young, all while learning about their annual migration to Hawai‘i’s warm waters each winter to breed and give birth before returning to the Northern Pacific.

Hawaiians and the Sea

Hawaiians and the Sea is a powerful exhibit that honors the deep-rooted bond between Native Hawaiians and the ocean. Through stories, artifacts, and interactive displays, it explores traditional wayfinding, sustainable fishing practices, and the cultural beliefs that view the sea not just as a resource — but as a revered ancestor and life force.

Kaho‘olawe: History and Healing

A poignant look at one of Hawai‘i’s most sacred and storied islands once used as a military training ground, Kahoʻolawe is now the focus of powerful restoration efforts. This exhibit shares the island’s cultural importance to Native Hawaiians and the community-driven journey to heal its land and spirit.

Find out what is being done to restore Kahoʻolawe’s land through the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission.

The Open Ocean exhibit. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Living Reef Exhibit

Home to over 40 species of Hawaiian corals, this exhibit highlights the vibrant ecosystems of Hawaii’s reefs and the myriad marine species they support. ​

Is your sunscreen approved for use in Hawai‘i? Learn about Hawai‘i’s law on reef-safe sunscreens.

Open Ocean Exhibit

Plunges into the heart of the deep with a breathtaking 750,000-gallon tank teeming with sharks, rays, and other open-ocean predators. The highlight? A 54-foot-long underwater tunnel that surrounds you in a 360-degree view, offering an unforgettable, up-close encounter with the ocean’s most powerful and graceful inhabitants.

Learn more about swimming with manta rays.

Turtle Lagoon

This serene exhibit offers an up-close view of these ancient mariners, honu, while sharing their life cycle, habitat, and the cultural respect they hold in Hawaiian tradition. It also highlights vital conservation efforts to protect them, ensuring future generations can continue to witness their gentle presence in island waters.

Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Hawaiian Culture & Botanical Plant Tour

Many plant species are found exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands and nowhere else in the world.  It is estimated that there are around 1,200 native flowering plant species in Hawai’i. This exhibit highlights various types of trees, shrubs, herbs and ferns as well as the canoe crops first brought to Hawaiʻi by Polynesian explorers.

Imagine drifting off to bed lulled to sleep by sharks, manta rays, and swirling schools of tropical fish. Every month, Maui Ocean Center hosts Sleep in the Deep, a one-of-a-kind sleepover where keiki (kids) and families can camp out below the massive Open Ocean Exhibit. It’s part slumber party, part ocean adventure— with educational activities, guided tours, and after-hours fun. Private group bookings are also available, making it perfect for birthday parties or school outings. It’s a night your kids will never forget — and honestly, neither will you.

Pricing and Participants

• Price: $125 per person (15% discount for members: $106.50)

• Ages: 7-12 recommended (minimum age: 7, older children welcome)

• Group Size: 15-40 participants

• Chaperone Ratio: 1 adult (21+) per 8 children

What’s Included

• Evening snacks and light continental breakfast

• Educational activities and presentations

• Movie night in Makai Theater

• Behind-the-scenes experiences

• Sleeping area in the open ocean exhibit

Sample Schedule

Evening

• 6:45 p.m.: Check-in

• 7 p.m.: Orientation

• 7:15 p.m.: Coral reef presentation and scavenger hunt

• 7:45 p.m.: Group activities

• 9 p.m.: Movie and snacks

• 10:30 p.m.: Lights out

Morning

• 6:30 a.m.: Wake-up

• 7:10 a.m.: Assist with morning feedings

• 8 a.m.: Breakfast

• 8:30 a.m.: Educational activities

• 9:30 a.m.: Program ends

Seascape Restaurant

Located inside the Maui Ocean Center, Seascape Restaurant offers a sustainable dining experience with scenic harbor views and an open-air setting. ​A Platinum Certified “Ocean Friendly Restaurant,” it emphasizes environmentally-friendly seafood and local produce — particularly Hawaiian canoe crops. Prices are moderate, with appetizers ranging from $9 to $13 and main courses averaging between $14 and $20. ​While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

Menu Highlights:

The menu features a variety of island-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches and vegetarian options. Notable items include:​

• Kalo Poke Nachos — Diced local kalo (taro), tomato, onion, capers and lemon vinaigrette, topped with guacamole and served with kalo and Molokaʻi sweet potato chips.

• Kona Kampachi Ceviche (Tahitian Style) — Pineapple, jalapeno, limu, sea grapes and lilikoʻi-coconut-citrus marinated local Kampachi.​

• Upcountry ʻUlu Hummus — Curry-spiced ʻulu (breadfruit) hummus, kalo and ʻuala (purple sweet potato) chips.

Upcountry ʻUlu Hummus. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

Located near Maui Ocean Center’s entrance, Ululani's is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The beloved shave ice spot opened 17 years ago in a 65-square-foot space in Lāhainā and can now be found in nine locations statewide with franchise locations in the continental U.S.

At this location, Ululani’s offers a special flavor combination of calamansi, passionfruit and guava and sells merchandise exclusive to Maui Ocean Center,.

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice at Maui Ocean Center. Photo by Melissa Chang.

Other Nearby Bites

Within approximately a mile of the Maui Ocean Center, several other dining options are available:​

• Tante’s Fish Market Restaurant & Bar — Located in the Maalaea Harbor Shops, Tante’s specializes in seafood, local Hawaiian cuisine, sushi, and Filipino dishes. The restaurant provides harbor views and a full-service bar. ​

• Havens Harborside Fish & Chophouse — Also in the Maalaea Harbor Shops, this upscale-casual restaurant, led by Chef Zach Sato, offers Hawaiian regional cuisine with an emphasis on local flavors and ingredients. The dining area provides panoramic ocean views. ​

• Maalaea General Store & Cafe — A relaxed spot offering breakfast and lunch options such as acai bowls, sandwiches, and tacos. Known for its casual atmosphere and generous portions. ​

• Hula Cookies & Ice Cream — Located near the Maui Ocean Center, this dessert spot serves a variety of cookies and ice cream, perfect for a sweet treat after a meal. ​

Migrations

Located at Seascape restaurant, this dinner-and-a show features an international-themed buffet and multicultural dance performance highlighting cultures that have settled in the Hawaiian Islands.

“We’ve created a show that uses traditional dance to take guests through the stories of the generations of people who make Hawaiʻi what it is today,” said Keoni Manuel, co-producer, performer, choreographer and costume designer.

The menu includes dishes from various countries celebrated throughout the show including poke, sushi, Molokaʻi sweet potato salad, vegetable lumpia, kalbi-style beef, pork enchiladas and an assortment of island-inspired desserts.

6 p.m. 

Purchase tickets

Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience

An immersive experience located inside Maui Ocean Center's 360-degree Maui Sphere theatre. The show celebrates traditional Hawaiian music with 16 live songs against a backdrop of stunning graphics. Audience members wear headphones to ensure high-quality sound.

Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets

Location: 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.​

Admission: General admission includes access to all exhibits and the Sphere experience. Discounts are available for kamaʻāina (Hawaii residents) and U.S. military personnel. ​

General Admission Rates as of 2026:

• Adult (13-64 years): $49.95​

• Child (4-12 years): $39.95​

• Senior (65+ years): $44.95​

Kamaʻāina and U.S. Military Rates:

A valid Hawaiʻi state ID or U.S. military ID is required for discounted rates. ​

• Adult (13-64 years): $29.95​

• Child (4-12 years): $19.95​

• Senior (65+ years): $26.95​

Kamaʻāina Saturdays: On Saturdays, Kamaʻāina admission is $10 for child (ages 4-12) and $15 for adults from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Annual Membership Rates:

• Adult (13-64 years): $135​

• Child (4-12 years): $120​

• Senior (65+ years): $125​

• Family ʻOhana Flex Pass (2 adults & 2 interchangeable children): $300​

• Advance Purchase Discount: Booking tickets at least one day in advance offers a $5 savings on admission. ​

• Parking: Paid parking is available for $2 per hour or $8 per day via the ParkLinq App or QR code upon arrival. ​Prices are subject to change. Check the Maui Ocean Center website for the most current information. ​

• Wear sunscreen and bring a hat or sunglasses. Part of the center is outdoors.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.

• Afternoon around lunchtime is when the marine park is the busiest. Visit in the morning for less foot traffic.

• Book evening shows in advance. Reservations fill quickly.

• Make reservations for lunch at Seascape Restaurant to ensure a seat.