New limu exhibit opens at Maui Ocean Center

Maui Ocean Center’s latest exhibit showcases an often overlooked yet essential part of the coastal ecosystem: limu, or the marine flora of Hawaiʻi. The exhibit’s grand opening will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, followed by a full day of limu-related activities at the aquarium.
 
Currently, the exhibit — located behind Surge Zone near the aquarium’s entrance — features four types of limu along with educational signage. Future plans include adding other varities of limu and eventually creating a seed stock for limu restoration efforts.
 
“We hope visitors leave understanding that limu is much more than seaweed,” said Tiara Fernandez, the aquarium’s education director. “There are many different species of limu, each adapted to specific habitats and environmental conditions, and they are an important part of Hawaiʻi’s nearshore ecosystems, providing habitat and food for marine life while contributing to the health and balance of coastal waters.”

To celebrate the limu exhibit’s grand opening, Maui Ocean Center will offer special kamaʻāina pricing of $15 for adults and $10 for keiki on Nov. 12. Groups including Ke Kīpuka Limu and Waimānalo Limu Hui will be at the aquarium throughout the day for hands-on educational activities and cultural experiences. Additionally, Seascape at Maui Ocean Center will offer a limu lunch special, and the aquarium’s Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice location will debut its gourmet Limu Pālahalaha flavor featuring limu grown at Maui Ocean Center.
 
The day will culminate with a limu program in the Sphere Theater highlighting the work of limu specialists and aquaculturists. The Sphere Theater will open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. educational talk. To reserve a seat for the free event, sign up at mauioceancenter.com/sea-talks. The following day, Friday, Nov. 13, the nonprofit organization Lele Aloha will host a limu restoration project in Lahaina.
 
“A critical part of Maui Ocean Center’s new limu exhibit is that it will eventually have seed stock for limu restoration efforts — community groups will be able to come in and pick up the seed stock, and they can start restoration efforts around the island,” said Maui Ocean Center General Manager Tapani Vuori.
 
Entry to Maui Ocean Center’s limu exhibit is included with aquarium admission. Maui Ocean Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit mauioceancenter.com.