Maui Ocean Center

The Basics

The Maui Ocean Center, known as the Aquarium of Hawaii, offers an interactive, educational, and cultural experience. Delve into the underwater world of humpback whales at the Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit and Sphere, a 3D viewing experience and one of the aquarium’s top attractions. View sharks, observe coral reef systems, marvel at green sea turtles, and learn about the history and culture of Hawaii in the center’s many exhibits.

For a deeper dive into the aquarium, join a behind-the-scenes tour with a marine naturalist. Or, literally dive below the surface on a scuba diving excursion inside the Open Ocean tank. Sharks and stingrays are just some of the many sea creatures you might encounter on your dive.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The aquarium is a must-visit for marine-life enthusiasts who want to learn about the island and its ecosystems.

• Sphere admission is included in the Aquarium PLUS package.

• The on-site Seascape Restaurant serves Hawaiian fare with views overlooking the ocean. Outside food is not permitted at the center.

• The center is wheelchair accessible and easy to navigate with a stroller.

How to Get There

Maui Ocean Center is located about a 15-minute’s drive from Wailuku. Take HI-30 (Honoapiʻilani Highway) South to Kapoli Street in Maalaea and follow signs for Maui Ocean Center. To avoid the hassle of driving, visit the museum on a guided tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

When to Get There

The Maui Ocean Center is open daily and a great rainy day activity. Arrive early to secure parking and explore the aquarium before the crowds.

Shark Diving in the Open Ocean Tank

While it is rare for scuba divers to encounter sharks while diving in the waters surrounding Maui, shark sightings are central to a diving excursion at the Maui Ocean Center. The center offers scuba diving adventures for certified divers in its vast Open Ocean exhibit. The tank features up to five species of sharks, as well as stingrays and fish. Non-divers can watch the divers and sharks through the exhibit’s observation tunnel.

How much time do you need in Maui Ocean Center?

A visit to the stunning Maui Ocean Center can be achieved in a couple of hours; however, you should allow at least a half-day to soak in all the wonders of this incredible marine sanctuary. This is especially true if you plan on doing some of the activities.

How much is parking at Maui Ocean Center?

There is ample parking around the museum, with the price set at $2 per hour for non-residents. A smart parking system is implemented, which means you pay through a QR code on your phone instead of in the museum. Parking is free for residents and museum members.

Is Maui Ocean Center accessible?

Yes, the Maui Ocean Center in Hawaii is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The facility is designed to accommodate wheelchair users, and it even has complimentary wheelchairs available near to entrance for visitors to borrow.

Can you bring food to Maui Ocean Center?

No, you're not allowed to bring food to the Ocean Center, although exceptions are made for children under 2. If you start to get peckish while wandering around, you'll find a restaurant and a cafe offering plenty of food and dining options on-site.

What type of sharks are at Maui Ocean Center?

The Maui Ocean Center has taken great care to create a habitat artfully designed to highlight the fascinating world of sharks. Here, you'll find hammerhead, sandbar, tiger, and blacktip reef sharks swimming in the waters of a glass observation tank.

What is the best day to visit Maui Ocean Center?

If you want to avoid the crowds, visit on a Wednesday. This is when the aquarium sees fewer people, allowing you to take your time exploring the exhibits and interacting with the marine life. Plus, some exciting experiences like Shark Dive are still available on Wednesdays.

Ways to explore

Popular among families and those curious about Hawaii’s diverse marine life, the Maui Ocean Center is one of the island’s most popular educational experiences. Skip the line by booking your tickets in advance, and allow at least a half day to see the aquarium’s highlights, including a 3D humpback whale exhibit and sea turtle care center.

For a deeper dive into the aquarium, join a behind-the-scenes tour with a marine naturalist—or literally dive below the surface on a scuba excursion inside a shark tank. Located in Maalaea Bay, the Maui Ocean Center is easy to pair with snorkeling and whale-watching tours.

Accessibility

The Maui Ocean Center is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to borrow on-site.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, sunscreen (since some attractions are outdoors), swimsuit for water activities

What to wear

The aquarium is large and has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Not allowed

Non-service animals, outside food or drinks

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop, restaurant, guided tours

Address

Set along Maalaea Bay in Wailuku, the Maui Ocean Center is easy to reach from both West Maui and South Maui. Driving is the best way to get to the aquarium, but you can also use public transportation.

Driving

The Maui Ocean Center is within a 30-minute drive of most destinations in West and South Maui. Coming from Wailea, take State Highway 31 toward Maalaea and park in the paid lots surrounding the aquarium. You can also take a taxi or rideshare app.

Public transportation

It’s possible to get to the aquarium by bus from West Maui or South Maui—just be sure to check the limited schedules in advance. Plan your route to Maalaea Harbor Village, then walk a few minutes to the aquarium.

Best times to visit

Bypass the morning and midday crowds by going to the aquarium after 1pm. Presentations and feedings happen regularly—check the schedule when you arrive.

Best days to visit

The aquarium is busiest on the weekends, so head there on a weekday for fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

The Maui Ocean Center is a year-round attraction, though Maui is best visited in April–May or September–November, when the weather is warm and tourism slows down.

Special events

The Maui Ocean Center hosts special presentations and activities around holidays, such as Halloween, Christmas, and World Ocean Day on June 8.