Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center

Explore Moananuiākea – the vast Pacific Ocean that connects us all.

Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center, located at the Aloha Tower Marketplace in downtown Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, highlights the unique cultural and natural resources of three national marine sanctuaries in the Pacific Islands Region:

• Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary – One of the largest marine conservation areas in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage site is not only a refuge for countless marine species, but also a sacred place for Native Hawaiians.
• Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary – A key breeding ground for thousands of North Pacific humpback whales, this sanctuary also protects many ecosystems and brings communities together to protect this special species.
• National Marine Sanctuary American Samoa – Located in the heart of Polynesia, this sanctuary protects vibrant coral reefs, rare marine species, and areas of great cultural and spiritual significance to the Samoan people.

The Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center connects communities, partners, students, and visitors with these protected areas through interactive exhibits, storytelling, and educational programs that highlight the need to preserve both marine ecosystems and cultural heritage. Through shared stories, the center honors Pacific communities and the deep cultural ties of Pacific Islanders, the ocean’s first caretakers.

• Location:
  Aloha Tower Marketplace (located in the center courtyard)
  1 Aloha Tower Dr Suite #1101
  Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi 96813
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Best for: Locals, families, students, travelers, ecotourists
• Contact information:
• Phone: (808) 600-5552
• To schedule group visits or inquire on public or private events: Email pioec.manager@noaa.gov for the center’s reservation form.

Accessibility Features

Physical and Mobility Assistance

• Wheelchair Accessibility/Mobility
  • The Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center has no physical barriers for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility assistance devices. Seating is readily available for those who cannot stand up for long periods. There are no stairways, ramps, or elevators to visit the Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center.
  • The Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center does not have a public restroom. Public restrooms within Aloha Tower Marketplace are adjacent to the Center and have the standard accessible stalls, handrails, and other provisions for people with disabilities.
  • Due to the open design of Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center, we have flexibility on seating arrangements and can easily accommodate guests using wheelchairs who visit and participate in events and meetings.
• Transportation
  • Aloha Tower Marketplace is also served by City and County of Honolulu’s public bus system and Accessible Handi-Van.
• Parking
  • The Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center is located on the ground level of Aloha Tower Marketplace. Access from the street-level parking lots has marked accessible parking spots and curb cuts.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at the Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center, in accordance with ADA guidelines. Service animals are defined as animals that are individually trained or educated to perform tasks or do work for a person with a disability.

Sight and Hearing Impaired Assistance

• Hearing impaired
  • Captioned video and other visual media are shown on a large screen TV and on a kiosk, along with other media.
• Sight impaired
  • Display panels which are on the walls have a combination of images and large font text.

Language

Bilingual (English-Hawaiian) outreach materials are available. Bilingual (English-Hawaiian) children’s books have been acquired in the expanded reading corner in the Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center. Staff and volunteers are able to interpret basic Hawaiian consents and words, and provide guidance on pronunciation of Hawaiian words.

Pacific Islands Ocean Exploration Center Events Calendar:

Details and updates for events, as well as center closures.