E Komo Mai

Through our Green Diver Initiative, Kauaʻi Ocean Awareness provides local youth with scuba training, certifications, and hands-on marine conservation experience. From their first breaths underwater to advanced training and scientific diving pathways, we’re preparing the next generation of ocean stewards to explore, protect, and restore our reefs.

From research aboard our vessel Papio to reef monitoring, marine mammal surveys, and post-storm assessments, Kaua’I Ocean Awareness brings science into action. Working alongside researchers, agencies, and community volunteers, we gather valuable information to better understand and protect Kaua’I’s marine ecosystems.

To combat marine plastics, Kaua’i Ocean Awareness partnered with Hoo Malu Ke Kai to launch the “Sea Plastics” upcycling machine, supported by Gay & Robinson and the County of Kaua’i. The initiative transforms trash into treasure while empowering volunteers in sustainable solutions.

The “Kaua’i Ocean Awareness Fish of the Month” program connected the community to marine life, featuring species like manta rays and MantaTrust expeditions that showcased global conservation efforts, fostering deeper ties to Kaua’i’s surrounding waters.

Collaborating with NOAA and DAR Kaua’i, the organization provided essential training to address stranding incidents for dolphins and whales. The community and team gained valuable knowledge in response efforts, further reinforcing Kaua’i’s commitment to marine mammal welfare.

A key achievement was the collaboration with Ho’omalu Ke Kai’s “Protect the Ocean” initiative, where ocean warriors led beach cleanups and explored conservation solutions. The removal of 12,000 pounds of debris from Kaua’i’s shores in 2023 marked a significant contribution to improving ocean health.

In partnership with DAR, Ho’o Malu ke Kai, Org, Kaua’i Sea Farm, University of Hawai’i, and the Hawai’i Community Foundation to launch the Kaua’i Coral Restoration Nursery, restoring damaged reefs through cultivation and out-planting to enhance resilience against climate change and human impacts.

In 2023 and 2024 community involvement was underscored through events like World Ocean Day, Earth Day celebrations, and bi-monthly Lokai’a workdays at Kauai Sea Farm. Collectively, 1,080 volunteers dedicated 10,000 hours of service, underscoring the power of collective action in environmental preservation.