Maui Ocean Center Launches Ocean Aloha Campaign

JUNE 8, 2021, MA`ALAEA, MAUI, HI – Maui Ocean Center presents `ohana (family) summer programming, Ocean Aloha, Go Green for Blue, from June 15 through September 6, 2021.

Through the ongoing initiative, mālama kekahi I kekahi (to take care of), Ocean Aloha is an island-based marine conservation program in support of further educating our malihini (visitors) and kama`āina (residents) `ohana (families) the importance of caring for our natural resources for future generations.

Through our host Hawaiian culture, we will celebrate the cultural and spiritual traditions from the moana (ocean) and the `āina (land) that feeds them.  Through their commitment to kuleana (responsibility), learn how we all can mālama (care for) natural resources through simple and mindful sustainable practices.

“The Ocean Aloha initiative reminds each one of us that we must embrace and care for our natural resources, whether above or below the ocean surface.  For generations, the Hawaiian culture has respected this invaluable connection”, says Tapani Vuori, General Manager.  “At Maui Ocean Center, we are passionate advocates of marine conservation and our island sustainability. Each day we strive to build upon our eco-friendly initiatives and encourage our guests to do the same.  By further teaching the value of nature and applying simple sustainability initiatives now, we support the growth of our future for generations,” says Vuori.

The program is designed for guests of all ages, and the entire family can partake in edu-tainment including outdoor presentations, demonstrations, and interactive learning from our island grown cultural practitioners and team members. Through storytelling, they will share their personal experiences and wisdom handed down generations.

Keiki (children) Entertainment with Ocean Aloha
Lauwai, located at the center of the park, will be dedicated to keiki (children), kindergarten through 5th grade.  Keiki can pop in any time of day and watch a myriad of marine conservation entertainment via giant monitor.  Shows include the ever popular Octonauts ® and sustainable tips by our featured 8 year old Maui Keiki Ocean Aloha Ambassadors, Imani and Liam.  In addition, Hawaiian Cultural Advisor, Dane Maxwell, presents the Ocean Education Classroom featuring Hawaiian words, keiki hula, marine-themed at-home crafts, stories, and more.  Parents must accompany their keiki at all times and space is based on availability.  Ongoing daily from 9am to 5pm.

Support Marine Conservation with Ocean Aloha
Marine Naturalists will be roaming throughout the park sharing information about our oceans’ ecosystems and inhabitants, along with endemic marine life of Hawai’i. Guests are encouraged to connect with them in-park to ask their burning questions and download all (6) of their virtual presentations via in-park QR code.

Sustainable Dining with Ocean Aloha
Inspired by our island Maui, Executive Chef Henry Tariga, has designed a sustainable menu at both Seascape Restaurant and Reef Café. Seascape Restaurant offers island-inspired menus featuring ocean-to-fork fresh fish from Ma`alaea harbor’s local fishermen, grass-fed protein from island ranches, and fresh produce from local farmers. Quick and convenient, the casual, outdoor Reef Café offers a ready-to-go locally sourced menu, along with traditional fan favorites.  With Chef Henry’s commitment to using Hawai`i sourced ingredients, his own flavorful seasonings and `alaea salt will be available for purchase. Seascape Restaurant is the first Sustainable Platinum Certified restaurant on Maui by the Surfrider Foundation.  By dining at Seascape Restaurant, guests are supporting island sustainability. Seascape Restaurant is open from 11am to 3pm daily, and Reef Café from 9am to 5pm.

Sustainable Shopping with Ocean Aloha
Exceptional eco-friendly, Made in Hawai`i and marine-themed treasures are available at Maui’s contemporary world-class gift store. From artful collectibles to island spa luxuries; educational toys and books to island keepsake ornaments, ocean themed t-shirts, caps and more.  And as Pandora’s only Maui retailer, ocean themed island keepsake charms and other unique jewelry will be available from Hawai`i designers. Maui’s own indulgent Fin-Tastic Fudge in tropical flavors is also available to-go or via shipment. Maui Ocean Treasures is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

The Marine Institute Honu Hero Beach Cleanup with Ocean Aloha 
In partnership with the Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, the launch of the Honu Hero Beach Cleanup will take place on World’s Ocean Day, June 8, 2021 and continue throughout Ocean Aloha and beyond.  Volunteers may pick up their beach cleanup kit any day between 11am and 2pm to the left of Maui Ocean Center’s gate entry.

The Honu Hero Beach cleanup offers an opportunity for volunteers to connect with our island and make a positive impact.  While giving back, learn more about the value of nature and the importance of embracing our oceans.  By dedicating any amount of time, individuals, families and groups can help save marine animals, preserve Maui’s natural resources, keep toxic chemicals out of the water, and create a safer island environment for everyone to enjoy today and for the future.  You can dedicate as much time as you wish, at any time.  

For more information, visit mocmarineinstitute.org/honuhero

Hawaiian Cultural Exhibits with Ocean Aloha
Ocean Aloha programming includes two ongoing Hawaiian exhibits, Hawaiians and the Sea and Kahoolawe: A Story of History and Healing, create in collaboration with the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) and supplemented by their previous exhibited content from the Smithsonian and Bishop Museum.

For more information about Maui Ocean Center’s Ocean Aloha program, visit https://mauioceancenter.com/ocean-aloha/