CAMP KAINANI - Summer 2026!

Marine Science Adventures Tailored for Young Ocean Enthusiasts

Camp Kainani at Maui Ocean Center offers immersive marine science adventures tailored for young ocean enthusiasts. Our interactive program provides exciting crafts, hands-on learning, and unforgettable experiences designed to inspire conservation awareness and ocean stewardship.

Key Program Details

Duration: 5 days, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Ages: 8-13
Camp Group Size: 7-12 participants
Cost: $450 | $382.50 for Members (15% off)

2026 Summer Camp Schedule

8-10 year olds:

June 8 – June 12 (Lights, Camera, Ocean!)
June 22 – June 26 (Creature Features)
July 6 – July 10 (Lights, Camera, Ocean!)
July 20 – July 24 (Creature Features)
August 3 – August 7 (Lights, Camera, Ocean!)
August 10 – August 14 (Creature Features)

11-13 year olds:

June 15 – June 19 (Deep Sea Detectives)
July 13 – July 17 (Deep Sea Detectives)

Why Choose Camp Kainani?

Camp Kainani is designed for animal enthusiasts! Although animals are a large focus of camp, we strive to include other fun interests and hobbies that might excite your camper. There is a place for everyone here at camp! Through fun interactive learning experiences, exhibit exploration, daily animal art, and more, the goal of camp is to foster a sense of appreciation, respect, and deeper understanding of wildlife and the beautiful world we live in.
Camp is led by Experienced Naturalist Educators; Our knowledgeable educators ensure each activity is engaging, educational, and fun.
Unique Marine Activities: Participate in coral exploration, turtle hospital simulations, squid dissections, and more.
Foster Conservation: Instilling a deep respect for marine life through practical and interactive learning.
Premier Location: Hosted at Maui Ocean Center, Hawaiʻi’s top aquarium facility.

Highlighted Activities

Each week has an overall topic that will build upon itself each day. Throughout the week, campers will engage in

Wildlife Education
Interactive Games/Activities
Cooperative Outdoor Games
Exhibit Explorations
Daily Animal Arts and Crafts
“Sea”prizes which include special guests and activities
Coral Reef Adventures: Experience interactive coral feeding and create personalized coral crafts.
Turtle Hospital Simulations: Engage in realistic rescue and rehabilitation activities.
Marine Pollution Awareness: Educational games designed to highlight the impact of marine pollution and solutions.
Marine Mammal Experiences: Explore the fascinating world of whales, dolphins, and Hawaiian monk seals through interactive learning.

Lights, Camera, Ocean! (Ages 8-10)
Roll out the red carpet because we are headed to Hollywood! We are going beyond the script to meet the real-life animals that inspired some of Hollywood’s biggest hits! Lights, Camera, Action, Let’s Roll!

Creature Features (Ages 8-10)
Animals come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, plus more! Sometimes the harder we look, the wilder things get! Let’s dive headfirst and learn about some of nature’s wildest animal features.

Deep Sea Detectives (Ages 11-13)
Top Secret Mission! We have a mystery among us. Do you have what it takes to track the clues, crack the ocean codes, and solve the Case of the Deep-Sea Darkness? Grab your field guides and prepare to dive- The investigation begins now!

Daily Needs & Important Information

Campers should bring their own lunch, two snacks, and a reusable water bottle each day.
No refrigeration or cooking facilities available—plan meals accordingly.
Clearly list any food allergies or medical conditions during registration.
Complimentary Camp T-shirts provided on the first day or available for early pickup.
Advance booking required (1 week in advance)
Full payment due at booking
Permission slip required for all participants

Contact us to secure your spot and give your child an extraordinary ocean adventure at Camp Kainani, exclusively at Maui Ocean Center! Please see FAQ’s for any further questions.

Location and Contact

Maui Ocean Center
192 Māʻalaea Road
Wailuku, HI 96793

Phone: (808) 270-7000

*Camp Kainani dates are subject to change

Please register Here!

What activities will be provided at Camp Kainani?

Daily activities will vary camp to camp but may include various hands-on activities, crafts, science experiments, private behind-the-scenes viewing, and more.

Dives are not available on the following major holidays should they fall on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday: New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Kamehameha Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

When and where do I drop-off/pick-up my child?

Drop off is between 8:15-8:30am at the benches to the right of the front gate entrance. Pick-up will be between 3:30-4:00pm at the same location as drop off. You will need to sign-in/out your child each day. Your child will only be released to the parent/guardian or another authorized adult that you have listed. Photo identification will be checked daily. Please drop off and pick up your child on time each day.

What should I bring each day to camp?

Wear clothing suitable for being indoors and outdoors. All campers will be provided a camp shirt to wear for the duration of the program.
Weather appropriate – rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, etc.
No inappropriate logos on clothing.
Reusable water bottle – there are water refill stations available.
Lunch and two snacks – Refrigerator and microwave will not be available for use.
Leave anything expensive or valuable at home.

Can my child be added to a wait list?

If a camp is sold out, please contact tfernandez@mauioceancenter.com to be added to a wait list.

When should we sign up for a camp?

Reservations must be made at least 1 week prior to a scheduled camp start date. However, we recommend that you reserve as early as possible to secure your spot in a camp.

What is your cancellation policy?

Maui Ocean Center reserves the right to cancel a camp at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. We will notify participants of its cancellation as soon as possible and refunds will be issued. If you cancel within 7 days of the first day of camp, there will be no refunds given.