Maui Ocean Ctr

07/17/08

State-of-the-art aquarium allows visitors an up-close look at the wonders of the undersea world surrounding the Hawaiian Islands.

by Eric Grossman

In Short
After sunning on the beach and playing in the ocean, a day exploring what lies beneath the waves is great for both kids and adults. More than 60 exhibits spread over a three-acre marine park feature self-paced interactive stations, tours by marine naturalists, presentations, and spotlights on thousands of fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays and other indigenous marine animals. A 54-foot long tunnel through the Open Ocean exhibit gets visitors eye-to-eye with sharks, stingrays, and reef fish. An outdoor touch pool features starfish, sea urchins, sea pillows, and more. Programs encourage visitors to develop an appreciation of Hawaii's marine environment.