Adventure Collective
Discover Hawai'i Wildlife Discovery Center: Interactive Marine Life and Culture in Lahaina - Lahaina

Discover Hawai'i Wildlife Discovery Center: Interactive Marine Life and Culture in Lahaina

Lahainaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; accessible to visitors with limited mobility

Overview

Explore Hawai'i Wildlife Discovery Center in Lahaina—a vibrant interactive space showcasing marine life, Hawaiian culture, and conservation for all ages. Perfect for families and nature lovers eager to learn about Maui’s unique ocean ecosystem.

Attraction
Lahaina, Hawaii

HWDC General Admission Tickets

Learn about Hawaiʻiʻs native marine wildlife and be inspired!

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About This Adventure

Discover the Hawai'i Wildlife Discovery Center, a vibrant 5,000 square foot space featuring over 30 interactive exhibits on marine life, conservation, and Hawaiian culture. Experience the immersive video display, engage in creative activities in the Kids Zone, and explore unique local art. A memorable adventure awaits for all ages!

Hawai'i Wildlife Discovery Center is a 5,000 square foot multimedia, interactive Discovery Center with over 30 exhibits including murals, photos and videos featuring native marine life, conservation, marine debris, whaling era, and Hawaiian cultural values.

HWDC is located in Whalers Village, Maui’s iconic shopping center in Ka'anapali Beach Resort in Lahaina.

We are a donation based nonprofit that depends on your support to continue doing our important conservation work!

Cost

  • Pay what you wish!

Hours and duration

  • Open every day 10:00am – 8:00pm
  • Your visit will take about 60 - 90 minutes
  • Suggested final entry is one hour (7:00pm) before closing.

About Hawai'i Wildlife Discovery Center

In addition to the many wonderful exhibits at HWDC, the Immersive Experience is one of the highlights of the Discovery Center. The six-minute video is large screened on 3 walls with only the sounds from ocean wildlife and waves rushing to shore.

Enjoy 45 locally produced, Maui-focused videos with topics ranging from “Voice of the Sea” to “Kumukahi: Stories of Living Hawaiian Culture” and “What Does it Take to Disentangle a Whale?” playing on our 82 inch interactive screen.

Marine debris is a focal point of HWDC and the Kids Zone is a place where children (keiki) can use pieces of debris to create art and learn about how plastic and net pollution directly affect local wildlife and ocean habitat.

Incredible local artists and photographers are featured at the Center including renowned Hawaiian nature artist Patrick Ching, who created the spectacular wildlife murals you'll see inside and out of HWDC.

The HWDC Shop, owned and operated by Sea Maui, features logo wear, jewelry, photos, paintings, prints, books, children’s coloring books and more. Many of the products are from the artists and photographers displayed in the Center. There is an abundance of sustainable products with an emphasis on being locally sourced in Hawaiʻi.

The Discovery Center is a fantastic place for all ages to come explore, there is something here for everyone to engage with and be inspired by!

Make HWDC a destination spot or come visit while waiting for your reservation at one of the restaurants in Whalers Village or a beach activity.

HWDC is a partnership between Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Brookfield Properties.

Adventure Tips

Arrive early to avoid crowds

Morning visits offer a quieter experience, allowing you to enjoy exhibits at your own pace before peak hours.

Bring water and sun protection

Though mostly indoors, some uncovered areas and the nearby Kauai coastline require proper hydration and sun protection.

Allow 1.5–2 hours for a full visit

Plan enough time to explore all exhibits thoroughly and participate in interactive activities, especially with kids.

Reserve tickets online in advance

Booking ahead ensures entry during busy periods, especially in peak tourist seasons.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Green sea turtles
  • Reef triggerfish (humuhumunukunukuapua'a)

History

The center emphasizes Hawaii’s cultural heritage alongside its natural history, educating visitors about traditional Hawaiian practices connected to ocean stewardship.

Conservation

HWDC is dedicated to sustainability, promoting responsible tourism and supporting local marine conservation efforts through education and community programs.

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Adventure Hotspots in Lahaina

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin from sun exposure, especially if you explore nearby outdoor areas.

summer specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Wear shoes suitable for indoor walking and short outdoor strolls around the center.

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated throughout your visit, especially in Hawaii’s warm climate.

summer specific

Camera or smartphone

Capture educational exhibits and beautiful art installations to remember your trip.