Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beaches
Maʻalaea Bay
BEACH
Maʻalaea Bay is fronted by a 3-mile stretch of sandy beach, running from Maʻalaea Har-
Hauoili St)
at the end of Hauoli St in Maʻalaea and from several places along N Kihei Rd
including
Kealia Beach
in front of the Kealia Pond Boardwalk.
Sights
Maui Ocean Center
AQUARIUM
MAP
(
270-7000;
www.mauioceancenter.com
; 192 Maʻalaea Rd; adult/child 3-12yr $26/19;
9am-5pm Sep-Jun, to 6pm Jul & Aug;
) The largest tropical aquarium in the USA show-
cases Hawaii's dazzling marine life with award-winning style. The exhibits lead you on
an ocean journey, beginning with nearshore reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish and
ending with deep-ocean sealife. For the spectacular grand finale, you walk along a 54ft
clear acrylic tunnel right through the center of a 750,000 gallon tank as stingrays and
sharks encircle you.
Kid-friendly features abound, including interactive displays about whales in the Mar-
ine Mammal Discovery Center, a cool touch pool and, best of all,
na keiki
-level viewing
ports that allow the wee ones to peer into everything on their own. While the kids ex-
plore, mom and dad might enjoy a quiet moment listening to whale songs or gazing at
the graceful sea jellies.
Story of Hawaii Museum
MUSEUM
MAP
(
242-6938;
www.storyofhawaiimuseum.com
; Ma-ʻalaea Harbor Shops, 300 Maʻalaea Rd; tour
per person $10; 10am-5pm)
For a concise but illuminating history of the Hawaiian Is-
lands, step inside this small museum and map gallery, which opened in 2012. If you have
30 minutes, take the docent-led tour, which stops beside original and reproduced historic
maps. These cartographic wonders - check out the 1785 chart from Captain James
Cook's explorations - are a fascinating backdrop for stories about the settlement and de-
velopment of the islands.
