May 23, 2024, 2:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time
Maui Ocean Center was named the seventh best aquarium in the country in USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
A panel of experts nominated the Maui Ocean Center as “Best Aquarium” in the country for its “high-quality exhibits and visitor interaction.” The nominations were then put to a month-long public vote.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for us,” said Maui Marine Center General Manager Tapani Vuori. “We’re especially honored to be recognized for our message of ocean conservation.”
Additionally, USA Today highlighted the aquarium’s Shark Dive Maui and snorkeling experiences, as well as exhibits such as the outdoor Turtle Lagoon and the “Hawaii’s Humpback Whales” 3-D film inside the Sphere Theater.
This year’s “Best Aquariums” list features Maui Ocean Center along with other aquariums located primarily in the eastern and central U.S. Last year, Maui Ocean Center was ranked No. 2 on USA Today’s top 10 list of “Hawaii’s Best Family Attractions.”
“The Maui Marine Center is home to one of the largest displays of live Pacific coral in the world,” the magazine said, “and allows kids to come face-to-face with a variety of Hawaii’s marine life, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and colorful tropical fish.”
The aquarium at Maalaea is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. After-hours “Aquari-OM” yoga classes are currently offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 6pm. For tickets and more information, visit mauioceancenter.com.
