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In the Loop

Maui Ocean Center launches humpback exhibit, sphere

Humpback whales have eyes the size of grapefruits on either size of their huge heads and also have lungs as big as small cars. -- Maui Ocean Center photo

See eye-to-eye with the gentle giants of the Pacific starting on Feb. 10, when Maui Ocean Center launches its Humpbacks of Hawai’i Exhibit & Sphere.

Located at Maalaea Harbor, the “aquarium of Hawaii” will debut this first-of-its-kind, $3-million, family-friendly display as well as mark a new era in the convergence of technology and marine observation.

When it opens, Humpbacks of Hawai’i will allow guests to immerse themselves in the mystery and majesty of the largest mammals on the planet Earth, while remaining on land in the comfort of Maui Ocean Center.

Humpbacks of Hawai’i will add an exciting dimension to Maui’s famous whale-watching season, breaking new barriers to bring guests up close and personal with Maui’s humpback whales in their home beneath the waves.

“Until now, people have mainly observed humpback whales from above the ocean’s surface, witnessing their power and size during their famous breaches,” explains Tapani Vuori, general manager of Maui Ocean Center.

This architectural rendering of Maui Ocean Center’s upcoming Humpbacks of Hawai‘i Exhibit & Sphere shows the outside of the 120-seat theater. -- Maui Ocean Center photo

“Our exhibit ‘transports’ guests deep into the ocean, giving them an inside look into the complex and vibrant lives of Maui’s humpback whales, and it also allows them to forge new connections with one of nature’s greatest marvels,” Vuori continues.

The exhibit highlights the humpback whales’ far-reaching nomadic lifestyle and showcases their haunting songs, signals and social bonds. The migration of the humpback whales from the northern reaches of Alaska to Hawaii will be presented with interactive exhibits and educational displays.

The crowning jewel of the exhibit is a virtual whale encounter in the sphere. At a mammoth 58 feet in diameter, the new 120-seat sphere combines 3D glasses and 4K laser imagery to blur the lines of reality with technology that is new to Hawaii.

“The sphere screen is larger than the size of an average adult humpback whale, placing viewers in perfect proportion to the whale’s true size …with room to swim!” enthuses Evan Pascual, Maui Ocean Center’s marketing and public relations coordinator.

Humpbacks of Hawai’i Exhibit & Sphere was created in collaboration with local artisans, marine mammal specialists, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and affiliated organizations. Filmed and produced by Daniel Opitz of Ocean Mind, the whales featured in the sphere were videographed in Maui waters over two seasons under the supervision of and with permits granted by NOAA.

Interested parties may reserve seats starting today to watch the show.

* To visit Humpbacks of Hawai’i Exhibit & Sphere, or for more details about Maui Ocean Center, visit www.mauioceancenter.com or call 270-7000.

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