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Watery World

It’s easy to explore the

‘creatures of the deep’

at Maui Ocean Center

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Do you know that sea jellies have no eyes, no brain and no respiratory system? Are you aware that sea stars have two stomachs, and one of them comes out of the body to digest its food? Or that male seahorses give birth to their young, sometimes carrying 200 babies at a time?

All of these fun facts and more are presented to you in vivid color at Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea, one of Hawaii’s top award-winning attractions.

From the Surge Zone with waves that pound, providing a safe haven to juvenile fish from predators, to the Hawaiians and the Sea exhibit showcasing ancient fishing lures and aquaculture, to an Open Ocean realm with creatures of the deep in in the 750,000-gallon saltwater lagoon, MOC is truly an amazing adventure.

Certified scuba divers 15 and older may even swim with sharks with advance reservations and an additional fee.

Behind the scenes, MOC pumps fresh seawater into the aquarium from the ocean and circulates it into the exhibits. The water is filtered and returned, cleaner than when it first arrived.

It’s one of the few aquariums in the world with live coral. In fact, it collects live coral from small boat harbors on Lanai, Molokai and Maui with permits granted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

“We are excited to watch the progress of the coral both at the harbor and here at Maui Ocean Center,” says John Gorman, the aquarium’s head curator. “We have successfully maintained live coral for over 15 years, so working on effective recovery in the open ocean is a phenomenal project for everyone involved.”

Mark your calendars for July 28, when the once-a-year Night At The Reef series will let you see live coral spawning, an experience under the light of a new moon.

“Our night events as well as our marriage proposal packages are two of the really cool things that we do here,” says Director of Sales & Marketing Lori Mellenbruch.

During this highly anticipated evening, guests will interact with knowledgeable divers, aquarists, ocean naturalists and other experts in the field. Sip complimentary coffee, juice, and tropical iced tea, munch heavy pupu and perhaps buy the no-host Coral Bloom that packs a punch.

There are also group events on an ongoing basis called Aquarium After Dark. Book wedding parties, graduations, corporate events and have the marine park all to yourself as the moon rises.

“Three levels of packages are available, from ‘Auli’i with dinner, centerpieces and linens, to Maika’i, which includes exclusive access to the park and exhibits with ocean naturalists to answer questions, a special dive presentation, dinner, centerpieces and linens,” explains Mellenbruch.

“The Nui Loa package includes everything in the ‘Auli’i package, plus a lei greeting and a contemporary Hawaii trio during dinner. Each package has an option of seven plated menus and six buffets. There is an extensive menu for hot and cold pupu.”

And what many people here on island still don’t know is that the Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant and the Maui Ocean Treasure boutique at MOC do not require admission to get in.

In fact, Seascape will dish up a special Easter brunch buffet with an early opening at 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today.

The restaurant-only entry is on the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops side of the aquarium.

The buffet offers peel-and-eat shrimp, kim chee tako poke, Mediterranean pasta salad, baby spinach with candied walnuts and strawberries, sweet bread French toast, applewood smoked bacon, mango-hoisin baby back ribs, omelets, roasted garlic leg of lamb stuffed with Hamakua mushrooms, grilled salmon and steak in veal demi. The cost is $45.95 for adults, $26 for ages 3 to 12.

Seascape is generally open for lunch only from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. The full-service menu features no trans fats and sustainable species of seafood, hot entrees, salads, sandwiches and desserts.

If you haven’t been there in awhile, consider the Discover and Dine packages that feature admission and lunch with a 15 percent savings overall. Book the deluxe package, and you get more discounts.

“Spend the day here and get the whole deluxe experience,” says Mellanbruch. “Sip a drink from your endless cup, keep it as a souvenir, shop, dine, get a child’s marine toy. It’s fun!”

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