MAUI
“It brings our guests eye-to-eye with humpback whales like never before.”
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W HERETRAVELER ® M AUI
Tapani Vuori wants to redefine public aquariums, transforming them from static exhibits and turning them into immersive experiences. The Center’s latest display, “Humpbacks of Hawai‘i Exhibit & Sphere,” is a perfect example of this nascent transformation. “It’s literally a virtual whale encounter,” says Vuori, Maui Ocean Center’s general manager. “It brings our guests eye-to-eye with humpback whales like never before.” BY SIMPLICIO PARAGAS
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s the first-of-its-kind in Hawai‘i, the Sphere marks a new era in the “confluence of technology and marine observation,” according to the Center’s description. The new experience will allow guests to connect with humpbacks in their world through the integration of 4k imagery, 3D active glasses and a 7.1 surround sound system. Developed, produced and directed by Daniel Opitz of Ocean Mind, the captivating film includes footage from two whale seasons in waters surrounding Maui. The exhibit’s main highlight is a virtual whale encounter in the Sphere. At 58 feet in diameter, the monolithic dome theatre consists of a screen that is larger than the average size of an adult humpback whale, placing viewers in perfect proportion to the
whale’s true size. The exhibit portrays the whales’ nomadic lifestyle, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in their songs, signals and social bonds. “Until now, people have only observed humpback whales from above the ocean’s surface, witnessing their power and size during their infamous breaches,” Vuori says. “Our exhibit transports guests deep into the ocean, giving them an inside look into the complex and vibrant lives of Maui’s humpback whales, and allowing them to forge new connections with one of nature’s greatest marvels.” The Center, however, offers many more marine wonders. The largest aquarium in Hawai‘i, this indoor/outdoor marine park at Mā‘alaea Harbor showcases more than 60 exhibits dedicated to the conservation of the S U M M E R – FA L L 2 0 1 9
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