Plants at an aquarium? Discover for yourself how plants and sealife are ecologically & culturally interconnected during this exclusive, 90-minute tour witha dedicated naturalist.
Maui Ocean Center’s new Hawaiian Culture & Plant Tour is a multi-sensory experience: smell the subtle fragrance of the pōhinahina leaf; hear the kukui nut rattle in its shell; learn and recite ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverbs); use a pohaku ku’i ‘ai (poi pounding stone) to mash kalo (taro root); and taste an assortment of crops originally brought to Hawai‘i by Polynesian settlers. Your naturalist will take you on a journey from mauka (mountains) to makai (sea) to celebrate plants like the ‘Ohia Lehua, which laid the foundations of life on this once barren volcanic island; or the Naupaka Kahakai, who’s blooms are the source of various mo’olelo (Hawaiian legends).
Whether you’re curious about the role plants play in traditional Hawaiian culture and ecosystems or are simply a gardening enthusiast looking for a deeper understanding of Hawai’i’s plant life, we know you’ll love it!
Includes
- A 90-minute exclusive Hawaiian Culture & Plant Tour led by a dedicated Marine Naturalist
- An interactive, hands-on experience incorporating Hawai’i’s most important canoe crop: kalo (taro root)
- A taste of essential agricultural canoe crops provided by our Seascape Restaurant
Tour Dates & Times
Tuesday & Thursday
10:30am – 12:00pm
Recommended
We recommend this tour for participants 10+ years of age due to the length and content of the tour. Closed walking shoes are recommended. Due to the physical requirements of the tour, we recommend this experience to those who are able to walk/stand for the full 90-minute tour, and be exposed to full- & partial-sun environments.
Accessibility
We believe marine education should be accessible for all. If you have any requests regarding disability accommodations, please contact us at 808-270-7000.
- Tour is ADA compliant and stroller accessible
- Audio devices available
- Light activity walking tour with varying floor types; some uneven surfaces
- Potential windy areas
- Not recommended for visitors who are sensitive to higher noise levels or wear pacemakers
- Visitors in manual wheelchairs should be accompanied by their own attendants
Group Tours
Group tour inquiries may contact marketing@mauioceancenter.com
At Maui Ocean Center, we prioritize the care and preservation of Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources. Sustainable principles guide every facet of our aquarium’s operation, from the propagation of rare native species to the reduction of single-use plastics, water usage, and carbon emissions.
We proudly maintain our certification with the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai‘i.