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Living Reef

Behold the beauty and wonder of Live Pacific Corals!

Home to one of the world’s largest displays of live Pacific corals, Maui Ocean Center offers a startling, up-close view of these rare and beautiful creatures. Our Living Reef showcases over 40 Hawaiian coral species that range from shallow to deep-reef environments.

Maui Ocean Center has successfully raised and maintained coral colonies since 1998. Our exhibits receive saltwater directly from Mā‘alaea Bay, resulting in environments that allow fish, corals, and other marine invertebrates to thrive.

The Kumulipo, the Hawaiian creation chant, begins with the emergence of a coral polyp. After witnessing the splendor of the living reef, it’s easy to see how corals represent the very genesis of life in the sea.

Living Reef Exhibition
Living Reef Exhibition
Living Reef Exhibition
Moorish Idol
Discover Maui's Marine Habitat
Fishes
Angel Fish
Angelfishes are a family of fish with roughly 80 species, with five present in the Hawaiian Islands. Their vibrant colors make them a favorite among divers and snorkelers...
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Angel Fish
Fishes
Common Longnose Butterflyfish
The common longnose butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus) is one of two longnose butterflyfish species found in Hawaiʻi. Commonly known as forcepfish, this species is b...
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Common Longnose Butterflyfish
Fishes
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
The Hawaiian squirrelfish, or ‘ala‘ihi in Hawaiian, are easily identified by their unique, vibrant red coloration, large eyes, and silvery-white stripes. The Hawaiian...
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