March 30, 2021, MA`ALAEA, MAUI, HI – Maui Ocean Center is re-opening Seascape Restaurant for lunch service on Monday, April 5, 2021 daily from 11am through 3pm, and has expanded park hours as of Saturday, March 20, 2021 to 9:30am through 3:30pm.
Seascape Restaurant, known for its picturesque view of Mā`alaea Bay, island-inspired cuisine and cocktails, will be phase re-opening on Monday, April 5, 2021 commencing with lunch service from 11am through 3pm. In support of our local farmers and island sustainability, Chef Enrique “Henry” Tariga has created a new, seasonal menu with a sense of place. Farm fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables including Hawai`i’s unique canoe crops, along with grass-fed ranch protein will be a staple. Fresh fish from Maui’s ocean will be sourced from Ma`alaea’s fishermen for a daily featured special with Chef Henry’s island-infused and locally harvested accompaniments. Menu favorites will be enhanced with signature Polynesian and Asian inspired recipes, without taking away their reason for popularity.
Food and beverage menus will be available via tabletop QR code in support of contactless health standards and will also direct guests to the Story of `Alaea Salt. This Hawaiian salt is included in many of the menu options and will be available for sale at both the restaurant and Maui Ocean Treasures gift store. To keep the children entertained, they will have access to the virtual Keiki Ocean Education Classroom. Created for children K through 5th grade, they can watch up to 15 fun and informative videos including marine-themed creatures and stories, introduction to Hawaiian words, and learn fun, at home crafts.
Under Maui Ocean Center’s ongoing initiative, Mālama kekahi I kekahi (to take care of each other), the well-received Health and Well-Being program continues to exceed guest satisfaction, giving confidence that safety and health initiatives are providing a park experience with peace of mind. This program will be extended into Seascape Restaurant, including required government and health authority mandated and recommended guidelines; including but not limited to face masks, thermal temperature checks, contactless sanitization stations, clearly marked social distancing reminders, and ongoing sanitization. Due to required restaurant capacity guidelines, reservations are strongly recommended and will be taken via Yelp only, commencing Thursday, April 1, 2021. Maui Ocean Center’s exclusive Nā Hoa Kai members will have reservation access 1 day early on Wednesday, March 30, 2021.
Maui Ocean Center’s three-phase re-opening has proven successful with average visitation rising since January 15, 2021. With the introduction of required reservations and pre-purchased tickets, real-time data indicated our visitors wish to visit the park earlier in the morning and later in the day after snorkeling activities, or on their way to the airport for their late afternoon or early evening flights. “Although cautiously optimistic, positive sentiment appears to be increasing and average park visitors continue to be on the incline”, says Tapani Vuori, General Manager. “We are delighted to expand our park hours by half an hour in the morning and afternoon to 9:30am through 3:30pm, and reopen the ever popular Seascape Restaurant with a fabulous menu that supports our local farmers and future sustainability”, says Vuori.
For more information about Maui Ocean Center and Seascape Restaurant visit www.mauioceancenter.com.
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