Jobeth Devera of HI Now goes on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Maui Ocean Center.

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Education plays an important role at the Maui Ocean Center to foster understanding, wonder, and respect for Hawaii’s marine life. HI Now host Jobeth Devera is with Lily Solano, director of education, to check out the aquarium’s unique animals during a behind-the-scenes tour.

Maui Ocean Center showcases marine life found in Hawaiian waters. Given Hawaii’s geographical isolation, about 25 percent of marine life in Hawaii are endemic, meaning they are unique to the islands and found nowhere else in the world. Maui Ocean Center provides guests with an authentic encounter with fish, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles in a safe, engaging environment. Since it is a regional aquarium, its team has the ability to release marine life back to the ocean.

The mission of Maui Ocean Center is “to foster understanding, wonder, and care for Hawaii’s marine life,” and education is the key to achieve this. Its team of marine naturalists share with guests, both locals and visitors from around the world, the important role our ocean and its inhabitants play in the world’s health. Through engaging presentations and sharing conservation messages, guests gain valuable insight into Hawaii’s local marine life and ways to protect it. Teams conduct daily presentations, including the Shallow Reef, Turtle Lagoon, and Open Ocean Dive presentations.

The behind the scenes tour is one of the aquarium’s most popular attractions. The tour is an additional cost to aquarium admission and can be booked online or at the entrance. From weddings to field trips and birthdays to sleepovers, there are many opportunities for larger groups and organizations to enjoy the aquarium as well.

The Maui Ocean Center is open 365 days a year, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Special rates are available for kama’aina, youth, and seniors.

For more information: mauioceancenter.com