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
Named “Top 10 Aquariums in the World” by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, 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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
11 within 5 kms
Attractions
44 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,288 reviews
Excellent
3,715
Very good
1,785
Average
605
Poor
124
Terrible
59
Brenda U
Apple Valley, MN148 contributions
Was much smaller than I expected. I was there in 2009 and they have way less fish, sharks, turtles eat. They are doing a good job at showing, telling others on how important the ocean shark s, fish , etc need to be saved. Everyone was nice but be ready for the high price to get a snack are a drink. One pineapple dole whip was 10 bucks.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle
Portland, OR75 contributions
This place is awesome. The only negative thing I could say was that I wish it was bigger. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting here. It is so clean & nice. We had just been to Long Beach Aquarium the week prior and it’s kinda dirty so I was extremely impressed with the state of their exhibits and how clean all their tanks were. I would highly recommend visiting here.
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen S
18 contributions
Mar 2023
This was our third visit to the Maui Ocean Center and it is still one of our favorite aquariums! We purchased tickets at the Military Veteran rate ($25 each) as I am retired Army.
The neatest thing right now is the 3D swimming with whales show projecteed on a hemispherical screen which often leaves the viewer ducking to avoid getting hit with a fluke or fin from a humpback whale! Not to be missed.
The aquarium has all sorts of wonderful exhibits - reef dwellers, baby sharks (NO music!), sea turtles, Hawaiian history, and an open ocean tank with a 47 foot long tunnel through the center of it.
Usual gift shop but a very nicely done one with a lot to offer.
The neatest thing right now is the 3D swimming with whales show projecteed on a hemispherical screen which often leaves the viewer ducking to avoid getting hit with a fluke or fin from a humpback whale! Not to be missed.
The aquarium has all sorts of wonderful exhibits - reef dwellers, baby sharks (NO music!), sea turtles, Hawaiian history, and an open ocean tank with a 47 foot long tunnel through the center of it.
Usual gift shop but a very nicely done one with a lot to offer.
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert B
3 contributions
Overrated and overpriced.
A few interesting
things to see but mostly reading info plaques and photos. Save your money.
A few interesting
things to see but mostly reading info plaques and photos. Save your money.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Margo
Yellowknife, Canada4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Loved our visit to the aquarium! Great stop on a rainy day in Maui!! A bit pricey but enjoyed by all.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Spartan grandma
Holt, MI8 contributions
Wonderful exhibits on ocean creatures. Its well laid out so there is room for many to view. Loved the way they related the ocean creatures to the Hawaiian Islands.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wizard
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Pay to play parking scam.
They have paid enforcement to ticket you immediately if you don’t pay, BUT THE PERSON IS UNABLE TO TAKE PAYMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They force some kind of app pay that’s hard to deal with and in my opinion makes people turn away, as I saw at least 2 or 3 other people get so frustrated that they left too!!!!!!
STOP SCAMMING PEOPLE
MAUI OCEAN CENTER, shame on you, all for an extra dollar or two, if you’re hurting so badly, stop scamming on parking and ticketing and just charge an extra dollar for admission instead of harassing people who just want to enjoy their limited time here.
They have paid enforcement to ticket you immediately if you don’t pay, BUT THE PERSON IS UNABLE TO TAKE PAYMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They force some kind of app pay that’s hard to deal with and in my opinion makes people turn away, as I saw at least 2 or 3 other people get so frustrated that they left too!!!!!!
STOP SCAMMING PEOPLE
MAUI OCEAN CENTER, shame on you, all for an extra dollar or two, if you’re hurting so badly, stop scamming on parking and ticketing and just charge an extra dollar for admission instead of harassing people who just want to enjoy their limited time here.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynnesota
Aurora, IL48 contributions
Feb 2023
What a surprise gem! the flow through the aquariums and exhibits is seamless and natural. I cannot believe the variety of fish we could see up close and personal! You can read and learn as much or little as you want, and there are many interactive exhibits that captivate the kids. They even have a "playland" to get their jiggles out! The culmination in the domed theater was MAGICAL. We truly felt like we were in the ocean with the majestic humpback whales! I suggest you visit the Ocean Center BEFORE you go on a whale-watching cruise, because this experience will give you a close up view of the whales' world and make it almost personal.
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
beth ann k
Halstead, KS1,641 contributions
Feb 2023
We liked that the fish were let go into the ocean, after a time, The aquarium itself, is small, with a large open air area, gift shop and a restaurant. We thought it was just okay, and were a bit disappointed.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Annette T
Oklahoma City, OK55 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We were not impressed with this center. Very few exhibits and for the location this could/should have been so much better. There were long lines for 2 of the exhibits for which we waited almost an hour each. Otherwise we would have been in and out in 30 minutes. Would not go back and would not recommend.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stay66621280185
Concord, NH
Do you need to purchase tickets in advance to see the Maui aquarium ?
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, Canada3,305 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, CO248 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
Anchorage643 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, NC67 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.
Charis J
61 contributions
I'm not sure where the ships dock. It's 15-20 minutes from Lahaina. If you have only one day in Maui, just know that the aquarium is very small, but you will see all the fish that Hawaii has to offer there. I didn't see much to do around the aquarium. I would go back to Lahaina after, if you only have one day there.
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, Canada288 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.
Maui Ocean Center (Wailuku) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Maui Ocean Center
- Maui Ocean Center is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Maui Ocean Center admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost HK$313.57, while a popular guided tour starts around HK$156.90 per person. See all 7 Maui Ocean Center tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Maui Ocean Center can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 7 Maui Ocean Center tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Maui Ocean Center:
- Maui Ocean Center Admission Ticket (From HK$313.57)
- West Maui Coastline Audio Driving Tour (From HK$156.90)
- Whale Watching from Ma'alaea Harbor (From HK$648.73)
- Whale Watch Adventure Aboard Maui's Only Luxury Super Raft (From HK$620.08)
- Private Tour: Road To Hana Tour from Kahului (From HK$8,372.47)
- Hotels near Maui Ocean Center:
- (0.03 km) Aunty Lani campervan at Maalaea
- (0.11 km) FABULOUS OCEANFRONT CONDO
- (0.23 km) Milowai #204--Tropical Maui Oceanfront Condo
- (0.16 km) OCEANFRONT Spectacular 60 ft to the water, Recently Re-modeled! HDTV,WiFi,AC
- (0.21 km) Maalaea Yacht Marina
- Restaurants near Maui Ocean Center:
- (0.16 km) Hula Cookies & Ice Cream
- (0.10 km) Seascape Ma'alaea Restaurant
- (0.09 km) Ma'alaea General Store & Cafe
- (0.16 km) Tradewinds Mart & Deli Incorporated
- (0.15 km) Johnny's Heist