The Hawaiian Islands Ocean and Climate Education Program is a place-based, science-driven initiative designed to educate and inspire local youth through hands-on environmental learning. Developed and led by Nature and Oceans Adventures (NOA), the program is funded by the NOA Fund and offered free of charge to students across Hawai‘i. By blending marine science, climate education, and cultural knowledge, it cultivates the next generation of ocean-literate leaders dedicated to the stewardship of their home islands.
Hawai‘i is a global hotspot for marine biodiversity and cultural heritage, but it is also on the frontlines of climate change. Rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and habitat degradation threaten its fragile ecosystems and coastal communities. The Hawaiian Islands Ocean and Climate Education Program responds to this urgent need with a curriculum rooted in both scientific rigor and local wisdom.
The program begins with interactive workshops introducing climate change, sea level rise, and ocean health. Students learn about global climate systems with a focus on how warming temperatures and acidification are impacting marine life and local communities in Hawai‘i. These lessons are grounded in place, making abstract science tangible by highlighting what is happening on their own shores.
A centerpiece of the program is a guided visit to the NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Here, students meet with researchers and conservationists who explain the importance of humpback whales, their migratory patterns, and the broader marine ecosystems they depend on. These sessions are designed to be both educational and inspiring, reinforcing the role Hawai‘i plays in international conservation.
Additional field-based components include reef walks, tidepool studies, and small-scale coastal clean-ups. Students take part in citizen science surveys—collecting biodiversity data, tracking environmental changes, and contributing to local databases used by marine biologists. The program also connects youth with Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, offering insights into traditional ecological knowledge and values such as aloha ʻāina (love of the land) and mālama i ke kai (care for the ocean).
Throughout the experience, students engage in discussions, group reflections, and problem-solving activities that deepen their understanding of ecological interdependence and community responsibility. The goal is to build not only environmental knowledge but also climate resilience and a strong sense of belonging to the ecosystems they explore.
Looking forward, the program aims to reach 500 students annually from across the Hawaiian Islands. This includes partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local government agencies to broaden participation and impact. Funding supports transportation, educational materials, safety equipment, and access to expert-led workshops.
By supporting this program, donors invest in youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and marine conservation. Each contribution helps equip Hawai‘i’s students with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to care for their environment—and to carry forward the legacy of stewardship for generations to come.