The Ocean Science Discovery Center will feature:
- An Interpretation Center, presenting interactive hands-on displays where children and adults can learn about whales, dolphins, sea turtles, coral reefs and fish.
- Two Discovery Labs featuring an array of science laboratory equipment, computers and audio/visual equipment. The labs will offer opportunities for Maui students to utilize equipment not readily found in most public school classrooms and participate firsthand in scientific inquiry and research.
- The Discovery Labs will host public events, including free lectures, slideshows and video presentations. The Ocean Science Discovery Center will also offer lifelong learning opportunities, including certification programs in ecotourism, interpretive techniques for naturalists and marine education for teachers. It will also serve as a meeting place for groups addressing ocean-related issues.
- A Resource Center will feature research papers, journals, publications, and video and audio tapes about the ocean, as well as Internet access to marine information. It will be open to the public, so that anyone seeking the latest information about the ocean can access it easily.
"The public is already coming to Ma'alaea with the intention of learning about the ocean," says Joy. "Thousands of schoolchildren tour Maui Ocean Center each year. Hundreds of thousands of people embark on whalewatches, snorkeling trips and other ocean tours at Ma'alaea Harbor. Many people enjoy walking and exploring along the coast at nearby Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge. And now, thanks to the support of Maui Ocean Center, the Ocean Science Discovery Center will offer interdisciplinary programs linking laboratory, classroom, cultural and field trip experiences."
The Ocean Science Discovery Center is a project of the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation and will serve as a home base for its award-winning Ocean Outreach programs, which serve 10,000 schoolchildren each year. The center opened its doors last June to host the Ocean Discovery Camp offered by Pacific Whale Foundation and Maui Ocean Center. Since then, the Ocean Science Discovery Center has hosted an array of exciting learning opportunities, including programs for school classes, hands-on science programs, free talks and slideshows, meetings for groups such as Surfrider Foundation, Dr. Seawater's Saturday Science Labs, and more. The center is now being outfitted with additional furniture, lab equipment, and exhibits, and will host educational events that are part of Pacific Whale Foundation's April 25th Earth Day Celebration in Ma'alaea.
As Hawaii’s largest aquarium, the Maui Ocean Center is a $20 million, 3-acre park that features more than 60 exhibits filled with fascinating and rarely seen Hawaiian marine life. Voted Maui’s #1 attraction, the Maui Ocean Center is open 9 am to 5 pm on Highway 30, between Lahaina and Kihei. To learn more, call (808) 270-7000.
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