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Maui Ocean Center vs Lanikai Beach

Both are recommended by expert reviewers. On balance, Maui Ocean Center is the choice of most writers compared to Lanikai Beach. Maui Ocean Center has a TripExpert Score of 86 with endorsements from 4 publications such as Fodor's, Frommer's and Lonely Planet.

Maui Ocean Center
Maui Ocean Center
9 / 10
192 Ma'alaea Rd, Hwy 30, Ma'alaea Harbor, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Feel as though you're walking from the seashore down to the bottom of the reef at this aquarium." Full review
i
The Ocean Center's gift shop is one of the best on Maui for artsy souvenirs and toys.
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Kids are mesmerized by the stingrays and fish that swim through the exhibit’s acrylic tunnel; the tiger sharks passing just inches away can excite even the most skeptical teen. " Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Staring a hammerhead shark in the eye is a good way to forget about the rain. So is watching a turtle breathe or being mesmerized by dancing sea jellies." Full review
Where Where
"This marine park is one of Maui’s top attractions and has been called “The Hawaiian Aquarium.” " Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
2 Stars
"The state-of-the-art aquarium puts little ones in the center of a giant fishbowl, where tiger sharks glide past and spotted eagle rays swoop through a 750,000-gallon tank." Full review
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Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach
8 / 10
Mokulua Drive, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Peaceful jade green waters, powder-soft white sand, families and dogs frolicking mindlessly, offshore islands in the distance. It's an ideal spot." Full review
i
Be sure not to park in the marked bike/jogging lane.
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Picture paradise: a white, sandy beach fringed with palm trees and fragrant tropical plants, licked by crystal-clear, aqua-blue surf." Full review
U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report
3.0
"Lanikai is more tranquil, offering relatively calm waters and a mile of white sands. This family-friendly beach is also within view of the Mokulua Islands, a haven for kayaking and surfing." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"This is one of the best places on Oahu to greet the sunrise. Watch the sky slowly move from pitch black to wisps of gray to burnt orange as the sun rises over the two tiny offshore islands of Mokulua." Full review
Independent Independent
"The crystal waters of Lanikai Beach sparkle under water sports enthusiasts on kayaks and paddleboards. If they’re lucky, a Hawaiian green sea turtle may pop its head out to say hello"