KITV 4 Island News viewers have voted Maui Ocean Center as Best Tourist Attraction and Best Family Attraction in the inaugural 2026 Best of Maui Viewers’ Choice Awards.
“It feels really incredibly special to get that recognition, not just once but twice,” Heather Walters, the aquarium’s marketing director, said during an on-air interview.
General Manager Tapani Vuori added that creating a “sense of place and respect for the host culture” is what sets Maui Ocean Center apart from other aquariums.
“We help connect the land with the ocean and really inspire people,” he said. “Everyone who comes to Maui Ocean Center — and hopefully Maui — they’re inspired enough, and they remember that when they go back to their homes.”
A current source of inspiration at Maui Ocean Center is the aquarium’s new limu exhibit. Limu is the Hawaiian word for seaweed or algae.
“This is probably the only limu exhibit in the United States, I would venture to guess,” Vuori said. “A critical part of this limu exhibit is that it will have a seed stock for limu restoration efforts — local community groups can come in and pick up the seed stock as they wish, and they can start restoration efforts around the island of Maui.”
Maui Ocean Center is expecting higher-than-usual attendance. Prices have been adjusted to reflect this increase. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
