“Incredible Corals: Night at the Reef” July 3, 2019
Maui Ocean Center’s annual “Incredible Corals: Night at the Reef” event will immerse guests into the world of Hawaiʻi’s corals with the potential to see live coral spawning.*
The Aquarium’s after-hours event features live entertainment, coral stations, keiki activities, and keynote presentations by coral experts in the Sphere theater on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Maui Ocean Center invites the public to experience the beauty and wonder of Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs while exploring its exhibits after dark. From microscopic views of coral polyps eating to showing the vibrancy of fluorescent corals under blacklights, the Aquarium’s marine naturalists will present the incredible feats of Hawaiian corals.
Later in the evening, guests may potentially witness one of nature’s rarely seen activities: live coral spawning. Based on the summer lunar cycle, the Aquarium anticipates rice corals will spawn throughout Hawaiʻi including its exhibits, providing a fascinating display of gametes ascending up the water column.
The new Sphere theater will host two keynote presentations on corals. At 6:30 p.m., Dave Gulko (Hawaiʻi DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources) will present “Reproduction of Corals” highlighting corals, their general biology, and the reproductive methods that corals undergo as they build coral reef ecosystems.
At 7:30 p.m., Carlo Caruso (Gates Coral Lab, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology) will present “Selective Propagation of Resilient Corals for Reef Restoration and Reproduction”. Caruso will share new strategies and concepts to assist corals in coping with warmer sea temperatures associated with climate change.
Other event highlights include stargazing, live entertainment, pūpū and beverages available for purchase, keiki activities, underwater dive presentations and more.
Tickets are available exclusively online. General admission is $39.95 (adult), $29.95 (child age 4 to 12), and $19.95 (Aquarium members). Discounts are available for Hawaiʻi Residents and US Military with valid ID. This is a private event with limited tickets; book in advance to secure your attendance. Visit mauioceancenter.com or call (808) 270-7075 for more info and reservations.
*While rice corals are expected to spawn on July 3, 2019, the Maui Ocean Center cannot guarantee it due to numerous environmental variables.
Photo Credit: Maui Ocean Center
Photo Credit: Maui Ocean Center
Photo Credit: Maui Ocean Center
Photo Credit: Maui Ocean Center
Photo Credit: Maui Ocean Center
Photo Credit: Maui Ocean Center
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