Immerse yourself in the world of Hawaii’s corals with the potential to see live coral spawning as Maui Ocean Center celebrates its coral reefs and the animals that call it home.

“Incredible Corals: Night at the Reef” — an after-hours event at MOC’s Aquarium of Hawaii from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on July 3 — allows visitors to potentially witness one of nature’s rarely seen activities.

Based on the summer lunar cycle, rice corals are expected to spawn throughout Hawaii including in the aquarium’s exhibit, which may display gametes ascending up a water column.

From microscopic views of coral polyps eating to showing the vibrancy of flourescent corals under blacklights, the aquarium’s marine naturalists present the amazing feats of Hawaiian coral.

Throughout the evening, enjoy live entertainment, keiki activities, coral stations and keynote presentations by coral experts in MOC’s Sphere Theater.

At 6:30 p.m., Dave Gulko (Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources) presents “Reproduction of Corals” highlighting corals, their general biology and the fascinating reproductive methods that corals undergo as they build coral reef ecosystems.

Following at 7:30 p.m., Carlo Caruso (Gates Coral Lab, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology) presents “Selective Propagation of Resilient Corals for Reef Restoration and Reproduction.” Caruso will share new strategies and concepts to assist corals in coping with warmer sea temperatures associated with climate change.

Pupus and drinks will be available for purchase.

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IF YOU GO

“Incredible Corals: Night at the Reef” • 6 to 9:30 p.m. • July 3

General admission tickets are $39.95 for adults, $29.95 for children ages 4 through 12 and $19.95 for aquarium members.

Discounts available for Hawaii residents and U.S. Military upon checkout. Must present valid ID upon arrival. Tickets are available exclusively online. This is a private event with limited tickets; book in advance to secure your attendance.

Note: Each coral presentation has limited seating in the Sphere (118 seats).

Upon presenting your online confirmation at the front entrance, guests must sign up at the information table. No food or beverage allowed in the Sphere.

*While the rice corals on exhibit are expected to spawn on July 3, it is not guaranteed due to numerous environmental variables.

Maui Ocean Center is located at 192 Maalaea Rd. at Maalaea Harbor.

For more information, call 270-7000 or visit www.mauioceancenter.com.

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DID YOU KNOW?

All animals at Maui Ocean Center are meticulously collected and cared for by an expert team of marine biologists, divers and aquarists. Collection is conducted under strict permits with the Hawai’i State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, and under the guidance of Hawaiian Cultural Advisor, Kahu (caretaker) Dane Maxwell.

Maui Ocean Center is respectfully in compliance with a County of Maui ordinance prohibiting the exhibit of cetaceans (whales and dolphins). Learn about humpback whales in MOC’S state-of-the-art Humpbacks of Hawai’i Exhibit & Sphere.