Maui Ocean Center ‘Shell-a-brating’ Anniversary

By Maui Now Staff

The Maui Ocean Center began “shell-a-brating” 17 years of commitment to Hawaiʻi’s marine life on March 13, with a variety of activities and events. The public is invited to enjoy live entertainment, hula, up-close turtle encounters, interactive presentations, a cooking demonstration, keiki crafts, complimentary cake while supplies last, and more.

On Friday, Mar. 20, kids ages 6 to 13 can enjoy a “Sleep with the Sharks” sleepover at Maui Ocean Center. Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Center.

On the following Friday, March 20, kids ages 6 to 13 can enjoy a “Sleep with the Sharks” sleepover from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. The after-hours aquarium experience will take kids through the Living Reef after dark, offer hands-on marine life lessons, and let them roll out their sleeping bags next to the Open Ocean exhibit or Sea Jellies cylinder. A $75 admission fee plus tax includes movie snacks, breakfast and all-day access to the aquarium the next day.

Children must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older. To make a reservation, call (808) 270-7075. The deadline to sign up is Thursday, March 19, at noon.

Unlimited aquarium passes are available to cover the whole week of Spring Break for kids. Tickets may be purchased online or upon entrance at the aquarium. Read more below about upcoming activities and events at the Maui Ocean Center.

Aquarium Activities and Events

Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Center.

Fins & Flipper Tour
Learn all about sharks and green sea turtles during this guided behind-the-scenes tour. Guests will see what it takes to care for the marine animals at the aquarium, and can participate in feeding turtles and sharks! Held Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the cost is $10 in addition to aquarium admission. Make a reservation by calling (808) 270-7088.

Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Center.

Wet Naturalist
Join an exciting, hands-on presentation on Hawaiʻi’s marine invertebrates, including sea cucumbers, sea stars and sea urchins. Appropriate for all ages, this activity is included with aquarium admission and gives participants the chance to touch some unusual sea creatures. Wet Naturalist events are held on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Dr. Christopher Kelley. Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Center.

Sea Talk Series
On Thursday, Mar. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m., enjoy free admission to a talk presented by Dr. Christopher Kelley.  He will discuss the amazing seafloor discoveries uncovered by the research ship “Falkor” at the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. His presentation will feature images of seamounts, drowned reef terraces, giant undersea landslides, huge ridges and other rarely-seen deep-sea geography. Dr. Kelley will also share deep-water formations that were once islands in the dinosaur era, even thousands of years before the Hawaiian Islands emerged.

Seating is limited and reservations are recommended by calling (808) 270-7088. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and close promptly at 6 p.m. when the talk begins.

Maui Ocean Center in the Community
Join the Maui Ocean Center at the Maui 5K for Kids on Sunday, Mar. 29, starting at 7 a.m. in support of youth athletic programs and physical fitness education. MOC will be manning a water station with some staff participating in the walk/run. Register online to participate.