Wailuku, Maui, Hawai‘i –– Maui Ocean Center today announced its “Humpbacks of Hawai‘i Exhibit & Sphere” will debut on February 10, 2019. As the first-of-its-kind in Hawai‘i, the multi-million Sphere marks a new era in the confluence of technology and marine observation. For the first time ever, guests can experience the mystery and majesty of one of the largest mammals on planet Earth as no one has before.
“Humpbacks of Hawai‘i” offers a new and exhilarating dimension to Maui’s famous whale watching season, breaking the barrier of the ocean to bring guests eye-to-eye with Maui’s humpback whales in their home beneath the waves.
“Until now, people have mainly observed humpback whales from above the ocean’s surface, witnessing their power and size during their infamous breaches,” said Tapani Vuori, general manager of Maui Ocean Center. “Our exhibit transports guests deep into the ocean, giving them an inside look into the complex and vibrant lives of Maui’s humpback whales, and allowing them to forge new connections with one of nature’s greatest marvels.”
The exhibit showcases the whales’ nomadic lifestyle, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in their songs, signals, and social bonds, and even create a personal whale song. The migration of humpback whales are presented through interactive exhibits, educational displays, and –– the crowning jewel of the exhibit –– a virtual whale encounter in the Sphere. At 58 feet in diameter, the new 120-seat sphere combines 3D glasses and 4K laser imagery to blur the lines of reality with technology that is new to Hawai‘i. The Sphere screen is larger than the average size of an adult humpback whale, placing viewers in perfect proportion to the whale’s true size…with room to swim.
“Humpbacks of Hawai‘i Exhibit & Sphere” was created in collaboration with local artisans, marine mammal specialists, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and affiliated organizations. Filmed and produced by Daniel Opitz of Ocean Mind, the whales featured in the sphere were filmed in Maui waters over two seasons under the supervision of and with permits granted by NOAA.
To visit “Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi Exhibit & Sphere” at Maui Ocean Center, and for more information, please visit mauioceancenter.com or call (808) 270-7000. Sphere experience is exclusive with the AquariumPLUS ticket and medically appropriate for ages 4 and above.
