Maui Ocean Center, Wailuku

I'm from Oahu, and while I enjoy the Waikiki aquarium... the Maui Ocean Center is on another level. The variety of ocean life is incredible (fish, eels, snails, jellyfish, turtles, sharks, rays, corals, etc.), and the walk-through tunnel is BEAUTIFUL. All the animals look comfortable and well cared for, and they don't do the more controversial/abusive things I've seen at other places (like making animals "perform" in shows). They're very focused on conservation and letting their creatures behave as they would in the wild. We didn't do all the special events/classes. My group wasn't interested in ukulele lessons or weaving (we've done plenty of that already) but I think it would be enjoyable for tourists. We did catch the shark/ray presentation and it was way better than than I expected: one staff member stands outside a huge wall of the tank while another scubas into it and they BOTH talk to the audience about all the creatures in the tank. The person inside can answer questions from the audience relayed by the staff outside. It's fun and educational, and helps people understand that sharks are not the bloodthirsty creatures we see in the movies. Also, the whole ocean center does a great job of seamlessly mixing information about the ocean life you see and Hawaiian history/culture. The tunnel is AMAZING. The fish, sharks, and enormous sting rays glide right over your head, right next to you, and even right under your feet (there are some windows in the floor- it's not 360 degrees of glass all around). It's the closest you can get to them without actually going into the ocean (you could technically get even closer: they do offer a special experience where you can dive in that tank- if you're open ocean scuba certified, make reservations, and pay extra!). It's beautiful and relaxing, and there are places you can sit down to chill and watch it all. I will definitely go there again next time I'm on Maui. It's a "must do" experience, no matter if you're born and raised in Hawaii or from somewhere far away!

The whale 3D show is phenomenal. I loved it. It was so well done. After spending lots of time whale watching above the surface it was perfect to see what swimming down with them would be like. I highly recommend it. The rest of the aquarium is good too. The tank/ tunnel with the sharks is big and awesome. With 3 kids ages 8,5, and 3 we spent 3.5 hours there.