Behind The Scenes Tour | Maui Ocean Center

Park Hours
9 AM - 5 PM

Behind The Scenes Tour

Sustainable Tourism and the Exploration of Maui’s Marine Life

Step behind the scenes of the Maui Ocean Center! Our immersive tour brings you closer to our conservation work, giving you a rare glimpse into how we care for marine life while protecting Hawaiʻi’s delicate ocean ecosystems.

Tour Dates & Times

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

11:30 am - 12:30pm
1:30 pm - 2:30pm

Your Backstage Pass to Maui’s Ocean Life

Meet Our Marine Life Up Close

Watch how our team interacts with the species we care for and see their daily routine that keeps each animal healthy and comfortable. It’s one thing to experience our habitats and marine life from the viewing side, but it’s a whole other experience to interact with them up close.

Behind the Pumps & Pipes of Our Open Water System

Discover how natural seawater from Māʻalaea Bay flows through our exhibits! Our guides walk you through the engineering that makes this sustainable system possible and why it sets our aquarium apart. This natural, ever-moving environment for the animals in our care is the hidden heartbeat that keeps our ocean life thriving.

Take A Look Inside Our Coral Propagation Lab

Step into the space where our team grows and cares for young corals that help support Maui’s reef restoration efforts. You’ll learn how fragments are nurtured under controlled conditions and why this work is essential for preserving Hawaiʻi’s underwater ecosystems. Experience a rare look at the cutting-edge methods driving the future of reef survival, while viewing coral above the waves.

Sustainable Tourism Practices in Action

You’ll see firsthand how your visit supports responsible, conservation-focused tourism in Hawaiʻi. Learn the steps our team takes to reduce environmental impact and educate visitors about ocean stewardship. It’s a meaningful reminder of how small choices—from coral care to water systems—contribute to Maui’s marine world.

Behind the Glass: Operating Our Aquarium 101

Go beyond the exhibits to see the systems, tools, and teamwork required to care for marine life every single day. You’ll explore the life-support equipment, filtration areas, and the operational spaces that keep our waters clean and environments stable. It’s a transparent look at the real work that brings the Maui Ocean Center to life.

The Science of Marine Health & Nutrition

Learn all about the thoughtful choices that keep our ocean residents healthy! Our animal care team prepares specialized diets tailored to the needs of each species at the Maui Ocean Center. From enrichment feeds to nutritional planning, you’ll hear how proper care supports growth, behavior, and long-term wellbeing.

FAQs

All ages are welcome to join us on the Behind The Scenes Tour! However, we do recommend this tour for participants that are 6 years of age or older.

Yes! At Maui Ocean Center, we believe marine education should be accessible for all. Please contact us at 808-270-7000 before your visit so we can ensure a comfortable and accommodating experience. 

A few notes about the Behind The Scenes Tour:

  • Audio devices are available and the tour is ADA compliant.
  • The tour is stroller accessible.
  • There is some light walking on uneven surfaces with varying floor types.
  • There are 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 options may be available with advance notice. Reach out to marketing@mauioceancenter.com to arrange a private or group tour.

Please note that our Behind The Scenes Tour requires a minimum of five total participants; we will contact you ahead of time if there are not enough sign ups. Thank you for your understanding!

Our Sustainability Commitment

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.