Step beyond the public exhibits and discover a different side of Maui Ocean Center. Our guided Behind the Scenes Tour brings you closer to our marine life care, coral restoration, and conservation education, offering a glimpse into how we care for marine life while protecting Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems.
This immersive aquarium experience connects you with the people, life-support systems, and marine science behind the aquarium. Featured stops may include behind-the-scenes access to animal care, aquarium operations, and conservation work.
Watch how our team interacts with the species we care for and see their daily routine that keeps each animal healthy and comfortable. It’s one thing to experience our habitats and marine life from the viewing side, but it’s a whole other experience to interact with them up close.
Discover how natural seawater from Māʻalaea Bay flows through our exhibits! Our guides walk you through the engineering that makes this sustainable system possible and why it sets our aquarium apart. This natural, ever-moving environment for the animals in our care is the hidden heartbeat that keeps our ocean life thriving.
Step into the space where our team grows and cares for young corals that help support Maui’s reef restoration efforts. You’ll learn how fragments are nurtured under controlled conditions and why this work is essential for preserving Hawaiʻi’s underwater ecosystems. Experience a rare look at the cutting-edge methods driving the future of reef survival, while viewing coral above the waves.
You’ll see firsthand how your visit supports responsible, conservation-focused tourism in Hawaiʻi. Learn the steps our team takes to reduce environmental impact and educate visitors about ocean stewardship. It’s a meaningful reminder of how small choices—from coral care to water systems—contribute to Maui’s marine world.
Go beyond the exhibits to see the systems, tools, and teamwork required to care for marine life every single day. You’ll explore the life-support equipment, filtration areas, and the operational spaces that keep our waters clean and environments stable. It’s a transparent look at the real work that brings the Maui Ocean Center to life.
Learn all about the thoughtful choices that keep our ocean residents healthy! Our animal care team prepares specialized diets tailored to the needs of each species at the Maui Ocean Center. From enrichment feeds to nutritional planning, you’ll hear how proper care supports growth, behavior, and long-term wellbeing.
All ages are welcome to join us on the Behind The Scenes Tour! However, we do recommend this tour for participants that are 6 years of age or older.
Yes! At Maui Ocean Center, we believe marine education should be accessible for all. Please contact us at 808-270-7000 before your visit so we can ensure a comfortable and accommodating experience.
A few notes about the Behind The Scenes Tour:
Group options may be available with advance notice. Reach out to marketing@mauioceancenter.com to arrange a private or group tour.
Please note that our Behind The Scenes Tour requires a minimum of five total participants; we will contact you ahead of time if there are not enough sign ups. Thank you for your understanding!
The Behind the Scenes Tour is approximately 1 hour long.
Each Behind the Scenes Tour is a little different. Tour stops and featured areas may vary based on animal care priorities, operational needs, and activities happening on site that day.
Yes, the tour includes guided interpretation related to the Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center and its conservation work. Access to specific spaces may vary depending on active animal care, staff operations, and the needs of protected species.
As a working animal care and conservation environment, some areas may be limited at times to protect animal wellbeing, support veterinary or husbandry work, or allow staff and volunteers to carry out essential operations safely.
Photography may be limited in certain behind-the-scenes areas. Please follow all guidance from your tour host during the experience.
At Maui Ocean Center, we prioritize the care and preservation of Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources. Sustainable principles guide every facet of our operation, from marine life care and coral restoration to conservation education and responsible tourism practices.
We proudly maintain our certification with the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi.
Stay for the Show! Tuesday evenings come alive with a 360° Hawaiian music experience.
From mountain to ocean, this immersive performance is the perfect way to end your day.
