Oceans of discovery at Maui aquarium

From shallow reef to open ocean, Maui Ocean Center showcases myriad creatures that inhabit Hawaii waters, including 41 species of live Pacific corals. It’s the largest such collection in the world, and several of the corals are found nowhere else.

Here are MOC’s newest offerings, all revolving around its mission “to conserve and sustain Hawaii’s marine life for future generations through education and stewardship.”

Na Moolelo (Stories)

Hawaiian practitioners share their knowledge and skills during this daily cultural program. Dane Maxwell, MOC’s Hawaiian cultural adviser, teaches guests a hula and “talks story” about Hawaiians’ connection with the sea during an hourlong session beginning at 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays.

Other activities are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on a rotating basis. For example, Sam Paleiku and his son, Hoyt, might be carving fishhooks, humpback whales and honu (sea turtles) from local woods such as ohia, koa and monkeypod. On view might be Kekai and Colleen Kapu’s exhibit of Hawaiian tools, weapons, hula implements, musical instruments and shell and lau hala jewelry.

Also participating regularly are fishnet weaver Greg Gomes and Joel Heinz Sr., who creates Hawaiian-themed art on tapa.

Night at the Aquarium

MOC is very different after dark. From 6 to 9 p.m. every Saturday in July and August, visitors can get acquainted with its nocturnal marine animals, including moray eels and spiny and slipper lobsters.

The event also features a Turtle-rrific Station where aquarists discuss turtle biology, behavior and diet and bring out a few turtles for up-close viewing. In another area, attendees are able to touch urchins, sea stars, sea cucumbers and other tide pool critters.

There’s also a dive presentation and live entertainment, and the Seascape Maalaea Restaurant is open for dinner from 5 to 8 p.m.

Admission is $49 for adults and $39 for children 3 through 12 (book online and get a 10 percent discount), $34 for kamaaina and U.S. military personnel with a valid ID ($24 for kids) and $19 for MOC members. Prices include two drinks; pupu and additional drinks are available for purchase.

Maalaea Lookout

This covered observation platform reveals a panorama encompassing Haleakala Volcano; Maalaea Bay and Harbor; and Kahoolawe, Molokini islet and the resort areas of Kihei, Wailea and Makena in South Maui. It’s equipped with two telescopes that visitors can use free of charge.

December through April, humpbacks are the big attraction. A marine naturalist is at the lookout periodically during the day to point out whales and explain their behaviors, including tail slapping, breaching and spy hopping (rising vertically with their heads out of the water).

Marine Life Hale

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali provides a beautiful seaside setting for MOC’s educational kiosk, which is open from 9 a.m. to noon daily. A marine naturalist is on hand to introduce visitors to the intriguing creatures that live in the ocean a short walk away.

Takeaway brochures and fliers offer tips on ocean conservation, including sustainable seafood choices. There are also ocean-related puzzles; books on sea turtles, marine invertebrates and reef fish; and microscopes to examine samples of seaweed, shells, crabs, brine shrimp and other specimens. With diversions of interest to all age groups, this is a great stop on the way to or from the beach.

Coral spawning tops ‘Incredible’ night

Visitors can discover the fascinating world of corals Tuesday at “Night at the Reef: Incredible Corals,” an annual event on the night scientists anticipate rice coral around Maui and at MOC’s indoor and outdoor exhibits will spawn. This occurs during the summer months, typically a few days after the new moon. Other coral species also spawn during this time, but rice coral has most consistently met predictions.

Coral expert Dave Gulko, a marine biologist with the state’s Division of Aquatic Resources, will be the keynote speaker. Biologist Pauline Fiene of Mike Severns Diving, a Maui-based scuba diving tour company, will also be there, mingling and chatting with guests. Watch videos of previous coral spawnings; see the dive presentation; and linger at stations to learn about the live coral displays, coral reproduction and what can be done to reduce negative impacts on reefs.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $30 for adults and $25 for children 3 through 12, including coffee, juice and iced tea (heavy pupu, snacks and desserts will be available for purchase). Kamaaina, MOC members and U.S. military personnel will receive a 20 percent discount. Reservations are recommended; this can be done online or by calling 270-7075.

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.