Exploring Maui Ocean Center

If you’re heading to Maui with kiddos, I totally recommend checking out the Maui Ocean Center in the beginning of your visit. We learned so much about what sea life is in the area as well as the history of Hawaiian traditions. You can see what kind of tropical fish, sea turtles and what other sea life will be in the ocean surrounding you. The Maui Ocean Center also has a beautiful turtle lagoon, tide pool area to touch sea stars, restaurants, shopping and spaces to play. 

View The Tropical Fish in the Living Reef

When you first enter the Maui Ocean Center, you can get a family photo taken, check out the outdoor surge zone, and/or enter the living reef aquarium. The living reef includes over 40 coral species and beautiful colored fish surrounding them. The open ocean display has hundreds of fish, numerous rays and different species of sharks. 

Maui Ocean Center also has an area showing a Kaho‘olawe, a story of history and healing, to commemorate the sacred island’s past, present, and future. It explores their culture, traditions and spiritual practices all to the beats of Hawaiian music. 

Check out the Turtle Lagoon & Tide Pools

The turtle lagoon was our absolute favorite exhibit. We loved watching these large sea turtles swim around and pop their heads out of the water. We later found out just how popular sea turtles in Maui are! More on that later. The kids also loved touching the sea stars and sea slugs in the Tide Pool zone. The Maui Ocean Center is located right in Maalaea, where we stayed, with beautiful views of the Maalaea harbor. 

Restaurants, Shopping and Playtime at Maui Ocean Center

Along with all of the awesome exhibits to see, there is also 2 restaurants, shopping and spaces to play. We went to the Reef Cafe for Dole Whip and Mark enjoyed a delicious ice cream sandwich. The center is also home to Seascape featuring island inspired cuisine. The kids played at the playground and there are several areas to sit and enjoy the space outdoors. 

Planning a Visit to Maui Ocean Center?