Maui Ocean Center has unveiled its new Coral Reefs exhibit.

The exhibit which includes video from a LCD flat screen, beautiful coral images, and the skeleton of 125,000 year-old coral, is located in the aquarium’s Living Reef building.

The unveiling of Coral Reefs coincides with the aquarium’s "S…ex and the Sea" promotion which highlights the mysterious world of coral reproduction.

“Healthy coral is fundamental to healthy oceans. As part of Maui Ocean Center’s mission to foster understanding of Hawai‘i’s marine life, it’s essential that we explain the structure and biology of corals and their relation to the health of the reef.

"The new Coral Reefs exhibit, with its interactive models and live coral examples, is a fantastic way to communicate the importance of corals,” said general manager Kate Zolezzir.



The exhibit is designed as an interactive walk-through with comprehensive informational panels about the ecological and cultural impoerance of coral reefs in Hawaii.

The stations explain coral anatomy, history, reproduction, significance, and varieties;

Maui Ocean Center houses the nation’s largest collection of living corals, and is dedicated to promoting awareness of conserving Hawai‘i’s coral reef systems through education.

“Coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Here in Hawai‘i many marine species live life in, on and even around coral reefs. It is great that Maui Ocean Center can share valuable information about this vital aspect of the marine environment,” expressed Ka‘au Abraham, Education Manager.

Visitors to the center may also pick up the "10 Ways to Protect Coral Reefs" card, provided by the County of Maui International Year of the Reef Task Force.

Maui Ocean Center in Ma‘alaea is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, daily and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in July and August. 808-270-7000, mauioceancenter.com.