Maui Ocean Center
Maui Ocean Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Maui Ocean Center is the premier destination to encounter and learn about Hawaii’s marine life. Home to one of the world’s largest displays of live Pacific corals, the Aquarium exhibits only marine life found in Hawaiian waters including tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, octopuses, sea jellies, and more. The Aquarium highlights the beauty of Hawaii’s undersea world while perpetuating the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and the sea. The Aquarium’s mission is to foster understanding, wonder, and respect for Hawaii’s marine life.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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from $44.11
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12 within 3 miles
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52 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Debbie C4 contributionsPure snorkeling without the boat and amenities.We had a fantastic experience with Paul! We did our snorkeling in the early morning calm and due to a late cancellations we had a private tour! The reefs are right off the beach where we started and we followed a sand path to a spot where we saw at least 4 green sea turtles. Paul , a marine biologist, was extremely knowledgeable and pointed out the different reefs and fish along the way. Paul took some fantastic pictures which he shared after our trip. All in all a great experience and highly recommend.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 7, 2023
- susie z3 contributionsJust say yes and snorkel with a marine biologist!!Worth every penny! My 15 year old did the experience “snorkel with a marine biologist” and had an amazing time. It is a small group experience and the guide was so kind and reassuring with everyone in the group which was a wide variety of ages and swim abilities. He was awesome. I had looked at doing one of the cruise boats that snorkel but I loved the idea of supporting Māui Ocean Center and ensuring my daughter was being taught how to responsibly snorkel in the ocean! Plus the bonus of the small group experience. Her smile coming back to shore was priceless. Paul was great at communicating where and when to meet and was considerate of the weather conditions to ensure we had a great experience. Definitely recommend!!!Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 10, 2023
- Eric V1 contributionAmazing Snorkel with a Marine Biologist TourWe did the Snorkel with a Marine Biologist Tour. This trip was one of the top five adventures of my life! We were new to snorkeling but myself, my wife and 11 year old daughter are all strong swimmers. Paul is amazing! He was incredibly knowledgable about the reef, and its inhabitants. He set a tone of respect for the place we were exploring and encouraged our curiosity all while making sure our group was having fun. My daughter was really hopeful that we would see sea turtles and he set expectations that the turtles are wild animals and nothing is guaranteed, while letting her know that he would be really excited to show her sea turtles if the opportunity presented itself. What resulted was a magical introduction to snorkeling and the underwater world of the reef… including hanging out with some sea turtles. Thank you to Paul for an unforgettable experience and the Maui Ocean Center for helping us to find this tour. Stop thinking about it and sign up now!Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2023
- Skyelar F2 contributionsTrip to Maui ocean centerWe did the behind the scenes tour and it was well worth it! We were able to feed the sea turtles and sharks while learning so much about the marine life! I would recommend seeing the 3D humpback whale exhibit before leaving because it was a breathtaking once in a lifetime experience!Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 5, 2023
- eshaynesPortland, Oregon191 contributionsQuick stopWe stopped on our last day in Maui as we needed to spend a few hours before heading to the airport. You have to pay for parking but there was plenty of parking available. The aquarium is I would say on the smaller side compared to others I’ve been to but it was worth the stop. It is right on the water so you have beautiful views. There are a few different exhibits (living reef, Hawaiians and the seas, open ocean) and things you can do. We walked around looked at different fish/sharks and coral, saw sea turtles and watched the Humpbacks 3D sphere. There is a place to eat (I didn’t get anything) and a gift shop. Overall this takes 2-3 hours depends on how much you want to read and how long you look at things.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 2, 2023
- jeffCarlsbad, California1 contributionGreat place to visit with young kidsWe had a wonderful time, very friendly staff especially Dan who showed and explained many things to our two kids. It was cool to see a tiger shark in the large tank. We were seriously impressed by the 3D whale movie. Would highly recommend, especially the interactions with the staff who were engaging, helpful and friendly.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 24, 2023
- Discover027862902211 contributionSnorkeling with Paul 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻The snorkeling experience with Paul far surpassed the expectations of my family and I. Paul helped alleviate any fears that came with not having snorkeled before; he provided good gear and made sure everyone was comfortable in the water. During the tour, he provided great insight, and guided us through the coral, where we saw many beautiful fish and, ultimately, multiple green sea turtles. It was a truly amazing experience, and it was awesome that Paul took photos of us and the wildlife we came across for us to keep. Highly recommend!Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 13, 2024
- Meghann PGreenwood Village, Colorado39 contributionsGreat attraction, probably better for slightly older kids.The Maui ocean center came highly recommended and I think if it was just my husband and I, it would have been perfect. We had our 15 month old with us and her attention span is not that long so we had to move through the exhibits rather quickly. The visit was over before we knew it. I think it would be pushing it to say you would be here for 2 hours unless you did the 3d attractions and extra things. We even stayed for a turtle feed and we were easily done in about 70 minutes. But the exhibits were awesome! Learning about the turtles and watching them get fed was so fun! The price is a little steep for the size of the center, but I realize that money mostly goes to research so I will accept it as is. You also pay to park, which others have mentioned. All in all, it’s worth visiting.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,361 reviews
Excellent
3,760
Very good
1,802
Average
613
Poor
125
Terrible
61
Wildcataviationllc
17 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Ive been to this place 4 times now. Ive got the VIP Card now and I dont regret it. Its a great place to gain perspective on the world around us. Its "humbling" in a lot of ways.
I just sat and watched the shark tank for about an hour, but the Jellyfish were mesmerizing as well.
Advice to visitors: Bring your own drinks/snacks. Buy the ticket for the "Sphere" show, allow for about half the day to see it all.
I just sat and watched the shark tank for about an hour, but the Jellyfish were mesmerizing as well.
Advice to visitors: Bring your own drinks/snacks. Buy the ticket for the "Sphere" show, allow for about half the day to see it all.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori L
Red Deer, Canada71 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
$35 USD per person admission (including 3D presentation) so plan to stay more than two hours. Although it is very small it is very well done. The 3D humpback whale presentation was only 10 minutes long (taking out introduction and credits!) and ended before we thought it was finished. I really thought we could get a thorough education on humpback whales before we went on our whale watch tour. We did not get a lot of information. I left with questions about the presentation. I thought it could be better done but it was only a five dollar value added onto the $29 admission tickets so whatever 🤘🏻
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brepath
Calgary, Canada2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We took our 2 year old and 9 month old a couple weeks ago. Our 2 year old loved all the fish and had a great time. I was underwhelmed. Had heard great things about it before we went but didn’t feel like it lived up to the hype. There are parts of the centre you can only access by stairs which was challenging with a stroller. One restaurant was under construction and the other wouldn’t seat us because a cruise ship was coming in and they needed to save spots for them. Again, challenging when you have small kids who are hungry. What I thought they did well was there were lots of staff around to answer questions and talk to you about the exhibits. Would I go again, probably not.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jennsmith91
Edmonton, Canada1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Family
We did the shark tank dive. This was our second time. The first one was much better. It’s amazing being so close to these animals but It’s still the same price but now you can’t feed the rays and this time they made you stay in a group and and not be able to explore on your own like last time. If the experience is getting less then the price should reflect that.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna Z
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL24 contributions
Mar 2021
Buy tickets online in advance because they weren't taking walk-ins when we visited in March 2021. We loved the 3D humpback whale experience in their theater. It runs every half-hour. There is the usual shark tunnel with sting rays and several lovely aquariums with lots of tropical fish. The main restaurant was closed due to COVID but they have a cafe where you can get sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream.
Written March 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tyzmyatt
Huntsville, AL1 contribution
Feb 2020
It was amazing! We went in late February and there were whales everywhere. Getting up close to them like that was insane though. We weren’t sure it could get cooler than seeing them jump out of the water all the time but you get to see it closer and they use the microphone to let you hear them singing too!
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
troydawson369
Paso Robles, CA112 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
The second day we were in Maui it was extremely windy so an indoor activity seemed like the logical thing to do. So we decided to go check out the aquarium and Ocean center.
Tickets are roughly $50 a person, at first it seems a little overpriced, until you actually start walking through the aquarium displays and see how beautifully laid out it is and the variety of aquatic Life and educational activities involved in your tour.
The highlight of the tour was the humpback whale experience. You sit in a domed theater where the seats lay back and you literally look up while you wear 3D glasses. This is definitely a must be if you make a visit to Maui or you are looking for something to fill in your spare time. The 3D experience was a couple years in the making, and they did a very good job of presenting the video display, it almost seemed like you could just reach out and touch them! Very well done! My 15-year-old son even enjoyed it.
They have a gift shop, everything is moderately priced, we did buy a couple things to support the ocean center.
Tickets are roughly $50 a person, at first it seems a little overpriced, until you actually start walking through the aquarium displays and see how beautifully laid out it is and the variety of aquatic Life and educational activities involved in your tour.
The highlight of the tour was the humpback whale experience. You sit in a domed theater where the seats lay back and you literally look up while you wear 3D glasses. This is definitely a must be if you make a visit to Maui or you are looking for something to fill in your spare time. The 3D experience was a couple years in the making, and they did a very good job of presenting the video display, it almost seemed like you could just reach out and touch them! Very well done! My 15-year-old son even enjoyed it.
They have a gift shop, everything is moderately priced, we did buy a couple things to support the ocean center.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
searoguetofino
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Family
The Aquarium is an excellent day trip for families in Maui. There are attractions for kids of all ages. It's great for a rainy day or a sunny one. The aquarium grounds are large and it's easy to navigate a stroller around. My Kids (2 &4) are still talking about the things they learned and the creatures they saw a month ago!
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark g
Lombard, IL103 contributions
Feb 2020
Last year was our first time viewing the Whale movie in the sphere and we knew that we would be back to watch it again. We just watched it again this year and were just as if not more impressed than last years viewing. We got to the Center early and had time to see all the exhibits in quiet with out too many people. Everything was fantastic and it has a must visit place for our annual Maui Trip!
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bigran2288
Grain Valley, MO102 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Very unexpected and worth the time and $$
The Humpback Whale 3D Shownwas short but ABSOLUTELY worth seeing. Unbelievable. The rest of the park, while small, is very informative and beautiful. It was windy so our outdoor viewing was hampered. But all in all great!
The Humpback Whale 3D Shownwas short but ABSOLUTELY worth seeing. Unbelievable. The rest of the park, while small, is very informative and beautiful. It was windy so our outdoor viewing was hampered. But all in all great!
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stay66621280185
Concord, NH3 contributions
Do you need to purchase tickets in advance to see the Maui aquarium ?
ourboysmom
Lubbock, TX135 contributions
No although we did
BecBennett
Kootingal, Australia294 contributions
Do you need to buy tickets ahead of time? Or can you buy admission when you get there?
sassy4ever
Grafton, WI3 contributions
Hello, do you offer travel agent rates for travel agents with an IATA card?
tony l
Vancouver, Canada3,686 contributions
Aloha sassy ! funny I also a IATA agent since the 80's with two travel business in Canada , I were in Ocean Centre in June this year , they do not have any travel agent discounts , but the price not too expensive at all , $44.95 per person and Seniors $37.95 , for Local ( Kamaine ) $27.55 per person , seniors $25 .34 also you welcome to read my up to date reviews on Maui . have fun ,lot to do in Maui !or follow me on TripAdvisor , I ate and go travel a lot to different City and Country !
alchemista
Larkspur, CO255 contributions
Do you have any tips on getting good discounts to the Ocean Center?
It looks like finding a reciprocal zoo or aquarium membership is the best one I see so far. You can get some of these zoo family memberships for about $50, which then entitle you to half off at Ocean Aquarium, which can pay for itself and net you a membership for other places.
I found for example Amarillo Zoo at $55 for family membership and it looks like Ocean Center is 50% off with that one, which would save me $80.
alaskantravelnut
Anchorage644 contributions
That’s very clever. If you wait until you’re 65, you’ll get $3 off, which is almost enough to save 50% on a small shave-ice in Maui.
Lgogis
Zionsville, IN136 contributions
Can you pay to do only the 3d movie? Not the center?
Maui Ocean Center
Maalaea, HI
Aloha Laura! We do not sell tickets to the Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & Sphere separately at this time. Our AquariumPLUS pass includes admission plus the film screening. We do host special events in the Sphere throughout the year, so stay tuned! Mahalo!
car0linafamily
Charlotte, NC70 contributions
How far is the aquarium from the cruise port? Are there other things to do close to the aquarium, also? Thinking of taking a taxi there.
Loislane47
Fort Myers, Florida18 contributions
Not sure where ships dock, but I would take shuttle or bus. Traffic can be very heavy at times.
A S
Grand Blanc, MI36 contributions
Behind the scenes tour....is it worth the additional time & money? I’m sure the ocean center would say yes, but has anybody else done it?
Hola_PVR
Markham, Canada289 contributions
Did not do any behind the scene tours. Did take the time to listen to the presenters as they were excellent and provided detailed information. Also used the handheld audio device ($3) which provided additional information at almost every exhibit. Spend the $3.
Jennifer3kids
8 contributions
Are there seahorses at this aquarium? Thanks!
John
Boulder, CO50 contributions
I checked with my 15 year old daughter who enthusiastically said yes. The only ones I remembered were the ones they were raising that we saw in the behind the scenes tour. Enjoy!
Do I need to make a reservation to visit and see the exhibitions?
181Linda
Calgary78 contributions
Not at the aquarium. The snorkeling tour you pre book your tickets.
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Claim your listingMaui Ocean Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Maui Ocean Center
- Maui Ocean Center admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $44.11, while a popular guided tour starts around $19.99 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Maui Ocean Center:
- Maui Ocean Center All Day Admission Ticket (From $44.11)
- West Maui Coastline Audio Driving Tour (From $19.99)
- Whale Watching from Ma'alaea Harbor (From $82.65)
- Whale Watch Adventure Aboard Maui's Only Luxury Super Raft (From $85.00)
- Private Tour: Road To Hana Tour from Kahului (From $1,066.67)
- Hotels near Maui Ocean Center:
- (0.02 mi) Aunty Lani campervan at Maalaea
- (0.14 mi) Milowai #204--Tropical Maui Oceanfront Condo
- (0.10 mi) OCEANFRONT Spectacular 60 ft to the water, Recently Re-modeled! HDTV,WiFi,AC
- (0.13 mi) Maalaea Yacht Marina
- (0.16 mi) BEAUTIFUL OCEANFRONT CONDO* EXCELLENT VIEW* PERFECT LOCATION & A/C
- Restaurants near Maui Ocean Center:
- (0.10 mi) Hula Cookies & Ice Cream
- (0.06 mi) Seascape Ma'alaea Restaurant
- (0.05 mi) Historical Maalaea General Store & Cafe
- (0.10 mi) Point Break Pizza & Panini
- (0.10 mi) Tradewinds Mart & Deli Incorporated
- Attractions near Maui Ocean Center:
- (0.00 mi) Shark Dive Maui
- (0.09 mi) Aqua Adventures
- (0.07 mi) Maui Custom Charters
- (0.07 mi) seafire snorkel adventures
- (0.10 mi) Maui Dive Shop